New exhibitions unveiled at the Treasure Houses of England

From artistic masterpieces to fascinating historical exhibitions, The Treasure Houses of England look set to deliver a captivating programme of exciting exhibitions this year.

Bond in Motion is the world’s largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles which has just opened at Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum for one year only.   Bond in Motion features 50 vehicles to celebrate 50 years of the Bond franchise and 40 years since the National Motor Museum opened.
From the 24th May to the 2nd September at Beaulieu, there will be an exhibition of the Surrey Sculpture Society’s stunning traditional and contemporary artwork.  The sculptors are exhibiting their broad range of work on an extensive Sculpture Trail that leads visitors through the beautiful grounds and gardens of Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey. This diverse collection of artworks includes abstract and traditional sculptures in figurative, floral, animal and human form and is fashioned from a range of materials such as bronze, ceramics, wood, glass and stone.

British art is showcased in supreme style courtesy of John Piper at Blenheim Palace (11 February – 9 April). Eleven original – and some previously unseen - watercolours from the esteemed twentieth century artist will be on display from the Palace’s impressive collection. Featuring a multitude of mixed media, the exhibition will focus on Blenheim Palace and the breathtaking artworks created during the last decade of John Piper’s life.
Dedicating its annual Treasury Exhibition to the Olympic career and connections of Gold medal winning Olympian David Cecil, Lord Burghley – Burghley House will unveil a mass of memorabilia from the acclaimed golden athlete of his generation, including his running outfit, medals and in-depth information about his intriguing sporting life.

Capturing the Castle comprises an extensive exhibit spanning 300 years of Castle Howard in the Arts (May-November). Incorporating everything from photography and paintings to porcelain and souvenirs, the display offers an inspired and rare treat to visitors.

Chatsworth House presents a private collection of modern British masterpieces with lendings from internationally renowned collectors, Frank and Cherryl Cohen (19 March – 10 June) featuring over 40 pieces from over 20 various artists such as Stanley Spencer, John Hoyland and Edward Burra. Also, don’t miss Caro at Chatsworth (28 March – 1 July) – 15 stunning sculptures in the estate’s gorgeous gardens from the country’s greatest living sculptor, Anthony Caro.

Royal Harewood (31 March – 17 June) – Harewood commemorates this special Jubilee year with two exhibitions – ‘Royal Harewood: Celebrating the Life of The Yorkshire Princess’, and ‘Marcus Adams: Royal Photographer, photographs from the Royal Collection’.  A unique insight into the life of HRH Princess Mary in Yorkshire, including some previously unseen items from her Faberge and Fan collection, many given as gifts when Harewood was a Royal Household.  In the Terrace Gallery,  intimate photographs of a young Monarch to-be, will be on view for the first time in the UK in 2012 to celebrate this special year.

Continuing to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Holkham Hall’s new exhibition highlights the 400-year long royal connection between the monarchy and Holkham’s Coke family establishment (April-October). Delve into the archives, library, personal records and photos to discover original items that illustrate the spellbinding story.
Following on from the success of ‘Moore at Hatfield’ in 2011, Hatfield House are staging the first major UK outdoor exhibition of the sculptural works of French artist Xavier Veilhan (7 April – 30 September).  Discover more about The Ladies of Hatfield House, with this new exhibition which offers an insight into the Ladies who lived at Hatfield, their passions, accomplishments and the odd scandal! (7 April - 30 September).

Woburn ARTBEAT is an annual project now in its third year where Woburn Abbey and the nearby village of Woburn join together to promote high quality original art by turning the village into an art gallery (6th - 27th April) and a prominent sculpture exhibition in the gardens of Woburn Abbey (6th - 31st August).

The Treasure Houses of England (THE) is a consortium of 10 of the country’s finest palaces, historic houses and castles. Unique in character, each property has its own magical blend of magnificent architecture, fabulous surroundings, world class collections and family attractions to enjoy.

•    For admission prices and opening hours - visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk