A Strictly Showstopper. The largest and most comprehensive exhibition of dresses from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing

Denise Van Outen, Red Paso Dress,
Courtesy of BBC 1

This summer Woburn Abbey is hosting an exhibition of the glamorous gowns and celebrity costumes from the BBC’s world famous show, Strictly Come Dancing.

Running from Saturday 13th July to Sunday 29th September, Woburn Abbey’s historical state apartments are set to provide a dramatic and contrasting backdrop for the exhibition.   Visitors will be able to view some of the iconic dresses designed by Strictly Come Dancing’s current costume designer Vicky Gill and created by dress suppliers DSi.

Dresses from the last series will be featured, including the stunning full length scarlet dress worn by last year’s finalist Denise Van Outen, the Union Flag dress worn by Olympic Gold Medallist Victoria Pendleton and Flavia Cacace’s iconic Charleston dress.  The exhibition will allow visitors to see, up close, the intricacies and flawless designs of the dancer’s wardrobe and discover behind-the-scenes details of the dresses.

Strictly Come Dancing Dress at Woburn Abbey
worn by Denise Van Outen

Jonathan Irby, General Manager of Woburn Abbey commented: “Whether a fan of traditional ballroom or connoisseur of contemporary Charleston, we hope the combination of stunning Strictly Come Dancing dresses with Woburn Abbey’s classic art and architecture will score the exhibition a perfect 10!
“This is the largest and most comprehensive collection of dresses from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing that has ever gone on display and Woburn Abbey is extremely proud to host the exhibition. It is spread throughout the house and included within the standard admission price for visitors to Woburn Abbey.

12 dresses from previous series’ of the BBC television show Strictly Come Dancing.  The dresses were worn by both the professional and celebrity female dancers.   The exhibition is included in the admission price for visitors to Woburn Abbey.

Woburn Abbey

Woburn Abbey has been the family home of the Earls and Dukes of Bedford for nearly 400 years and is currently the home of the 15th Duke and his family. The Abbey and its Gardens are steeped in a vast amount of history. Whilst the collection of art and antiques is world class in terms of its quality and outstanding in terms of its variety, there is much more to Woburn Abbey than just the art that lives within it.  The Russell family, their ancestors and descendants have, over many centuries created a fascinating cultural, social and diplomatic history with many an interesting and colourful story.

Set within 3,000 acres of beautiful Deer Park, the great house itself is full of unique history and is a remarkable record of 400 years of English history. This includes the story that led the 14th Duke to creating a charity called the Tavistock Trust.

The Abbey houses one of the most important private art collections in the world with over 250 works by artists including Gainsborough, Reynolds, Van Dyck and Cuyp. 

Visit http://www.woburn.co.uk/abbey/ for further information.

Horrible history is child’s play at England’s greatest Elizabethan house

Burghley House and Deer

New family tours by costumed guides revealing the grizzly, gruesome and horrible history of England’s greatest Elizabethan house this summer.

New for 2013 at Burghley House, on the edge of the stone town of Stamford in Lincolnshire, is a children’s guidebook called Beastly Boring Burghley, offering a colourful and comical look at the history of one of Britain’s most spectacular Tudor country estates.

Now Beastly Boring Burghley is being brought to life like never before with new daily tours throughout July and August when Burghley’s own ‘Butler and Maid’ will take families on an exciting journey through this remarkable House. 

Free with a House and Gardens ticket, the special guided tours will take place every morning from Monday 22nd July to Saturday 31st August (excluding Fridays and Sundays),

Numbers are limited, but can be booked online with tickets reserving a place on the tour as well as giving access to the House and Gardens for the rest of the day. Every child joining the tour will also get a free Beastly Boring Burghley guidebook.

The 20-page book takes children on a journey around the house, with puzzles, activities and things to spot in each room – such as finding turtle skulls in the Kitchen, secret animal code names in the Billiard Room and English villains in the Pagoda Room.

For those not taking part in one of the special tours, the guidebook covers rooms in the same order as in the adult guidebook, giving parents and grandparents a chance to have a good look around while the Beastly Boring Burghley activities and puzzles keep children entertained! The cartoon-style illustrations and child-friendly text also reveal plenty of historical information too.

For the last four centuries Burghley - built for Elizabeth I’s chief minister William Cecil, the first Lord Burghley - has wowed visitors, whether Elizabethan royalty, locals enjoying the parkland or tourists from across the globe. 

It now offers a packed family day out with a combined ticket giving access to the stunning history and architecture of the House, and its huge collection of treasures, plus two gardens, including the Tudor-inspired Garden of Surprises with its 32 water features. 

For full details of opening times, events and to book online tickets, visit  www.burghley.co.uk or telephone 01780 752451.

Goddess of the Moon Inspires Magical Illuminations at Chatsworth

Maria Cosway 1759-1838,
Portrait of Georgiana Spencer,
Duchess of Devonshire as Diana - restored

Magical illuminations and hundreds of candles will transform Chatsworth House and Garden for a special event in October inspired by its famous painting of Duchess Georgiana as Diana, Goddess of the Moon. 

Luminaire will take the visitor on a magical journey in the garden through the lunar cycle bringing to life the legend of the Goddess of the Moon and revealing Chatsworth in a new light. Lighting, projections and soundscapes will transform many of the familiar landmarks in the 105-acre garden from Flora's Temple and the Emperor Fountain to the Cascade and Rockery.

The use of candles and subtle lighting effects will evoke how the house would have been lit before the age of electricity with hundreds of candles casting a glow on the rich and gilded interiors. A lady's maid and a lamp boy in period costume will share stories, while lanterns will mark a journey around the garden with live performance adding another dimension to the experience. A hog roast and late night opening of the cafe and Orangery shop complete this special nighttime event.

Luminaire will be the first time the house and garden has been displayed in this way for 170 years. It was last illuminated for the visit of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1843. The Illustrated London News said 'the noble cascade was lit up with many coloured fires and the whole extent of the gardens was a blaze of light.'

Chatsworth's Sally Hogg said: "It will be truly magical to see the key features in the garden illuminated, especially the Cascade ebbing and flowing in ripples of light. We're incredibly excited about this event as both the indoor and outdoor lighting displays will be wonderful. We hope that Luminaire will recapture the flavour of Joseph Paxton's great Victorian extravaganza."

Two Derbyshire-based companies have been involved in bringing the concept to life. Déda Producing has created the outdoor event in partnership with Illuminos who have designed the projection and lighting effects. The interior of the house has been brought to life by the Chatsworth housekeeping team using a combination of antique and modern candles, subtle lighting effects and LED lights.

Rob Vale at Illuminos explains the concept: "In Greek mythology Artemis is the Goddess of Moon and the hunt. Usually depicted carrying a silver bow and arrows, our illuminations explore the story of how she came to have these and her encounter with Orion. Each section of the story is themed to one of the eight phase of the moon, and relate to Artemis's story as well. By walking the illuminated route through the garden, the visitor follows the whole cycle of the moon."

Stephen Munn, Director Déda Producing, said “We’re delighted to be returning to Chatsworth to create another outdoor spectacular, following on from the hugely successful Elemental Force presented in December 2012. The team at Chatsworth really understands the value of events like this; Luminaire will allow people to see this iconic location in a completely new way.”

Luminaire will take place from 26 October to 30 October 2013. House and Garden tickets will only be available in advance and provide timed entry into the house. Tickets go on sale on 1 July via the Chatsworth website. Entry to the Garden is also available in advance or may be purchased on the night, subject to availability.

For more information, opening times and ticket prices, visit www.chatsworth.org

Simply Japanese - Sunday 4th August at Beaulieu

Simply Japanese

Following on from the great success of last year’s event, Beaulieu’s Simply Japanese rally will be making a welcome return on Sunday 4th August. Owners of all types of Japanese marque cars can join the event, whatever the age, make and model of vehicle, from Nissan, Honda and Toyota family cars to sporty Suzukis and Mazdas.

Prepare to see some stunning vehicle designs and colourful artwork amongst the hundreds of Japanese marque vehicles on display. Take the opportunity to get chatting with other like-minded enthusiasts, and enjoy a great day out at the Beaulieu attraction. See over 250 vehicles on show in the National Motor Museum, from F1 racers to Land Speed Record Breakers and don’t miss BOND IN MOTION, the world’s largest ever exhibition of original James Bond film vehicles. Whilst Bond is known for his love of the very British manufacturer, Aston Martin, both he and villain, Patrice, rode Honda bikes in the opening chase sequence for the latest Bond film SKYFALL. Their two Honda CRF250R motorcycles are now on display in the exhibition.

Enter World of Top Gear to see genuine vehicles created by presenters Jeremy, Richard and James in their challenges on the BBC television show. You can also enjoy strolling through the beautiful gardens to Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538 and 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, or you can explore the grounds by hopping onboard the high-level Monorail or open-topped bus.

As with all Simply Rallies, visitors to Beaulieu on the day of the event will be invited to vote for their favourite vehicle in the People’s Choice Awards. The owner of the winning car will receive a Beaulieu Trophy in an afternoon presentation ceremony and will be given the opportunity to lead a cavalcade of Japanese marque cars through the attraction.

For entrants arriving in a Japanese vehicle and joining the event on the Beaulieu parkland, entry prices are only adult £10 and child £5. Telephone 01590 612888 or visit www.beaulieushop.co.uk to book advance tickets. For all trade stand enquiries, telephone 01590 614614. All other visitors should enter Beaulieu via the main Reception at normal Beaulieu attraction admission prices.

Entry into the Beaulieu parkland with your Japanese vehicle is from 9.30am with catering available. Admission to the event includes entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction; the National Motor Museum, BOND IN MOTION, World of Top Gear, Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House and the gardens.

Simply Japanese is one of the latest additions to Beaulieu’s rapidly growing calendar of Simply events, which has expanded to include a wide variety of themes covering a range of makes and models. For more information please visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk or join the conversation with @Beaulieu_Hants on Twitter using #simplyjapanese.

Pack a picnic and tuck in to the popcorn… or treat yourself to a luxury foodie feast with fizz at Burghley’s summer film festival

Four days of fabulous films from Bond to children’s favourites will transform England’s greatest Elizabethan house into one of this summer’s best outdoor cinema settings.

But along with a film feast featuring 15 movies over four days and nights in August, Lincolnshire’s Burghley House aims to provide a food feast too, including luxury picnics - and the tasting of the final menu has just been completed!

Each day during the Festival at Burghley - on the edge of the Georgian stone town of Stamford - there will be two family films, while for a night at the movies an evening ticket will cover two additional films more geared to adult audiences.

Of course, visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics to enjoy in the spectacular outdoor setting, but during all film showings Burghley’s great British barbecue will offer perfect summer BBQ food, with all of the meat sourced from local producers, while in the evenings there will also be delicious Ottolenghi style salads as well as a host of other options available.

For an extra special movie treat, those who really want to celebrate in style - and let someone else do the work - can pre-order a special three course Burghley picnic for two.

It’s a chance to settle back to watch your chosen movie on the big screen while you tuck in to a three course feast that starts with a tantalising trailer including marinated lucques olives, organic crudités, pitta chips and bruschetta fingers with fresh tomato and basil salsa.

Followed by the main presentation of lemon marinated English goat’s cheese with chargrilled artichoke hearts, poached salmon with ribbons of cucumber and shaved fennel tossed with a lemon dressing and a superfood salad with crispy greens and pea shoots.

And the end credits of delicious homemade chocolate brownie and strawberries with Rodda’s clotted cream, all washed down with a chilled bottle of sparkling wine.

The Film Festival Luxury Picnic (serving two) costs £80 and must be booked online.

Burghley’s Great British BBQ will also be selling hot food during all performances as well as snacks, popcorn, ice-cream and homemade fruit juice slushies to keep the children happy, while no summer evening would be complete without Pimms as well as cold beer, wine and cocktails.

The big screen will be set up against the backdrop of the magnificent Elizabethan house overlooking the beautiful South Gardens, Capability Brown lake and the sweeping parkland beyond for the Film Festival, 1-4 August 2013.

Movies include A Night of Royal Entertainment (Thursday 1st August) featuring The Duchess and The King’s Speech; Bond Night Fever (Friday 2nd August) with Casino Royale and Skyfall; Sing-a-long-a-Sensation (Saturday 3rd August) showing Grease and Rocky Horror Picture Show; and Les Mis Under The Stars (Sunday 4th August) starring Les Miserables.

Daytime showings range from Disney blockbusters Finding Nemo and Toy Story 3 to all time favourite Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and smash-hit Shrek.
Early-bird buyers can still take advantage of specially priced tickets available online now from Burghley’s website - saving £4 per ticket before 30th June and £2 per ticket before 31 July, compared to the on-the-day price.

Tickets are priced at £6 for adults until 30th June; £8 until 31st July and £10 on the gates. Child tickets are priced at £4. For full details of opening times and to book online tickets, visit www.burghley.co.uk

The House is open from Saturday 16th March to Sunday 3rd November 2013 daily (except Fridays) from 11am to 5pm (last admission 4.30pm). Admission: House and The Gardens of Surprise - adults £12.70; children (3–15 years) £6.50; seniors/students £11.50; family (2 adults & 2 children) £34.

Hindustan Taxi Hailed For World Of Top Gear At Beaulieu

Hindustan taxi racing

Hindustan taxi

The eagerly awaited new run of Top Gear is now airing on the BBC and that can only mean one thing – new challenge cars arriving at Beaulieu’s World of Top Gear.

In the second instalment of the show − now in its 20th series − Top Gear’s executive director of the crucible of the prism of the furnace of motorsport, Professor Richard Hammond organised a world taxi shootout to find which could claim the crown as the world’s best taxi. The winner was India’s virtually indestructible Hindustan Ambassador.

Keen students of the car will note that this machine started life in Britain as the Morris Oxford but, with a quick name change, it went on to become one of India’s most enduring vehicles.

This particular example proved just how enduring the Ambassador really is when it saw off rivals from Britain, America, Germany, South Africa, Mexico and Russia to be named the world’s best taxi.  It’s so tough that, although it now lives in World of Top Gear, with a quick wash and brush up, it could be back in service tomorrow – probably.

The Hindustan taxi joins a whole host of vehicles at Beaulieu created by the Top Gear presenters for some of their most ambitious challenges. Another recent addition is the Grannymobile, from the last series, painted ‘hearing aid’ pink and sporting such features as an extended bumper to accommodate knocks and scrapes and easy chairs replacing rear seats − to make getting in and out so much easier!

The ‘Enormodrome’ recreates the feel of the Top Gear studio with regular features from the programme, including the Cool Wall and the Celebrity ‘Lap Times’ board, kept up to date in line with the show. Visitors can also watch behind-the-scenes footage of the Top Gear production zone and clips of some of the best Top Gear moments.

World of Top Gear can be seen as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction which also includes the National Motor Museum, BOND IN MOTION, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey.

Beaulieu is open every day, except Christmas Day, from 10am. For more information telephone 01590 612345 or visit www.beaulieu.co.uk

Motorcycle Ride-In Sunday 14th July2013

People's Choice Winner - Nigel Herring with Stuart Macey

In stark contrast to conditions last year when weeks of heavy rain had put the event in doubt, participants in this year’s Motorcycle Ride-In were assured of clear skies and unbroken sunshine. Fortunately a heat wave and temperatures in the high 80s didn’t deter riders from zipping up their leathers and donning their helmets for a ride through the New Forest en route to Beaulieu to park up and become part of a fantastic display in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

Over 1,300 bikes took part in the public ride-in and 1,800 bikers were able to enjoy a great day out, meeting other biking enthusiasts and viewing the hundreds of motorbikes of all makes and models on display, from classics to modern and custom. A number of trade stands were selling accessories and clothing.

Beaulieu’s Events Manager Judith Maddox said:”It was a perfect day for bikers to ride into Beaulieu. We know that they like to show off their bikes and this event offers an opportunity to be part of the display and enjoy all of the Beaulieu attraction at the same time.“

In the Beaulieu arena the crowds were wowed by stunt shows from the fearless UK FMX stunt team. The audience could experience the thrill of biking ‘athletes’ as they performed acrobatic stunts at heights up to 40 feet in the air. 

Visitors were invited to vote for their favourite bike in the ‘People’s Choice’ award and this went to Nigel Herring from Didcot, Oxfordshire, with his Suzuki Hayabusa.  Nigel has had his bike from nearly new and spent thirteen years customising it to the gleaming machine it now is, complete with eye catching sparkling emerald green paintwork.

Nigel was presented with a Beaulieu Trophy by UK FMX stunt rider Stuart Macey.

Beaulieu Welcomes 25th Millionth Visitor

The Beaulieu visitor attraction has welcomed its 25th millionth visitor since its founder, Lord Montagu, first opened his home to visitors in 1952.

On Tuesday, 2nd July, the 25th millionth visitor, Mrs Pat Cook, and her husband, Richard, were greeted by Beaulieu’s Commercial Director, Stephen Munn. They were offered a special programme for the day which included exclusive tours of the National Motor Museum and Palace House, complimentary lunch in the Brabazon Restaurant and a drive through the New Forest in a 1909 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, one of the most iconic cars in the museum’s vehicle collection. They also received a selection of Beaulieu gifts and an annual pass to the attraction.

"The surprise welcome made us feel very special” said Mrs Cook, “We had decided to come down to the New Forest for a couple of days from our home in Crawley, specifically to visit the attraction as it had been many years since we last visited. My last visit was 42 years ago and there have been many changes since then.”

In 2012 Beaulieu celebrated 40 years of the National Motor Museum and the 60th anniversary of the attraction. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the James Bond franchise it also played host to BOND IN MOTION, an exhibition of fifty original James Bond vehicles, bringing a whole new audience to the attraction.  Earlier this year Beaulieu was awarded Gold in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category at VistEngland’s prestigious 2013 Awards for Excellence.

Simply Land Rover

On Sunday 11th August, join the droves of Land Rovers heading for Beaulieu to take part in Simply Land Rover. All Land Rovers, of any age or model, are welcome. Owners can display their vehicles in the parkland, take part in the event activities, and enjoy all the delights of the Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum’s exciting BOND IN MOTION exhibition, which showcases 50 original vehicles from the James Bond films as well as behind-the-scenes footage from some of the most thrilling vehicle stunt sequences.

Beaulieu has partnered with the Land Rover Experience, West Country, to give visitors to Simply Land Rover the opportunity to try Beaulieu’s very own off-road Forest Drive. Event participants can book a space at a cost of £25 per vehicle to take their own Land Rover on the 45 minute course, and can also enjoy a second drive after 3pm for a discounted rate of £15 per vehicle, when booked with the first drive.

Visitors who do not have a Land Rover, but would like to try the course, can book a slot in a Land Rover Experience vehicle. Land Rover Experience’s trained instructors can take you on the course for £40 to drive, or £10 for a passenger ride. Please note that to drive you must be aged over 25 and have both parts of your full UK driving license with you on the day.

The Forest Drive prices do not include the entrance fee to the event or Beaulieu attraction. The first group will leave at 10am with the final rotation leaving at 4.30pm. Terms and conditions apply. There may be some slots available on the day, but to avoid disappointment it is advisable to book in advance. Booking for the Forest Drive will be available soon at www.beaulieushop.co.uk

Throughout the day visitors will be given the opportunity to vote for their favourite vehicle on display in the People’s Choice Awards. In the afternoon a cavalcade of the most popular vehicles will parade around the Beaulieu attraction, and the winning vehicle will receive a Beaulieu Trophy.

For entrants arriving on the day in their Land Rover and participating in the event, individual ticket prices are £10 per adult and £5 per child. Book advance tickets online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk or by telephone on 01590 612888, which you can also call for information on group/club entry. For all enquiries regarding trade stands, telephone 01590 614614.

Entry into the Beaulieu parkland with your Land Rover is from 9.30am with refreshments available in the Brabazon Restaurant.

All other visitors who wish to see the event, but not participate in a Land Rover should enter Beaulieu via the Main Reception from 10am at normal attraction admission prices.

Admission to the event includes entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction; the National Motor Museum, BOND IN MOTION, World of Top Gear, Beaulieu Abbey, and Palace House and gardens.

Simply Land Rover is part of a growing calendar of Simply rallies which has rapidly expanded to include a wide variety of themes covering many makes and models. All Simply rallies are run and organised by Beaulieu and take place in the grounds of the National Motor Museum. For more information please visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk

SIMPLY VAUXHALL - SUNDAY 28TH JULY 2013

Vauxhall Astra 2010

Vauxhall Insignia SE 2011

Calling all Vauxhall owners! On Sunday 28th July, drive your Vauxhall to Beaulieu for the first ever Simply Vauxhall rally. Whichever type of Vauxhall you own, be it a classic Prince Henry Vauxhall or a shiny new Insignia, motor into the Beaulieu parkland, and join a fantastic display of Vauxhalls.

This is a great opportunity to view hundreds of Vauxhalls, meet up with other like-minded enthusiasts, and enjoy a great day out at the Beaulieu attraction. See over 250 vehicles on show in the National Motor Museum, from F1 racers to Land Speed Record Breakers and don’t miss BOND IN MOTION, the world’s largest ever exhibition of original James Bond film vehicles. The collection includes the Lotus Esprit S1 ‘submarine’ car from THE SPY WHO LOVED ME, a QUANTUM OF SOLACE Aston Martin DBS stunt car and two Honda CRF250R motorcycles and a Land Rover Defender 110 from the latest Bond film to be released, SKYFALL.

Enter World of Top Gear to see genuine vehicles created by presenters Jeremy, Richard and James in their challenges on the BBC television show, including Richard and Jeremy’s “Grannymobile” and the P45 micro car driven by Jeremy through a shopping centre and the British Library on the latest series.

You can also enjoy strolling through the beautiful gardens to Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538 and 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, or you can explore the grounds by hopping onboard the high-level Monorail or open-topped veteran London bus.

At intervals throughout the day the Band of the Royal Yeomanry will be keeping visitors entertained with rousing British songs and anthems and, as with all Simply Rallies, visitors to Beaulieu on the day of the event will be invited to vote for their favourite vehicle in the People’s Choice Awards. The owner of the winning car will receive a Beaulieu Trophy in an afternoon presentation ceremony and will be given the opportunity to lead a cavalcade of Vauxhalls through the attraction.

For entrants arriving in a Vauxhall and joining the event on the Beaulieu parkland, entry prices are adult £10 and child £5. Please telephone 01590 612888 or visit www.beaulieushop.co.uk to book advance tickets. For all Vauxhall-related trade stand enquiries, telephone 01590 614614. All other visitors should enter Beaulieu via the main Reception at normal Beaulieu attraction admission prices.

Entry into the Beaulieu parkland with your Vauxhall is from 9.30am with catering available. Admission to the event includes entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction; the National Motor Museum, BOND IN MOTION, World of Top Gear, Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House and the gardens.

Simply Vauxhall is one of the latest additions to Beaulieu’s rapidly growing calendar of Simply events, which has expanded to include a wide variety of themes covering a range of makes and models.

For more information please visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk or join the conversation with @Beaulieu_Hants on Twitter using #simplyvauxhall.

CLARE WOODS’ EXCLUSIVE WORKS UNVEILED AT HAREWOOD 6th July – 20th October 2013

Acclaimed artist Clare Woods launches her new exhibition of works created especially for Harewood, on 6 July.  The exhibition which includes four large works, entitled ‘The Seven Eggs,’ explores the relationship between people and nature, drawing from the landscape surrounding Harewood, and the medieval church at Harewood with its alabaster tombs, as her inspiration.  The title comes from the local name for the 18th century folly set in the grounds at Harewood, now reclaimed by nature - a snapshot of nature repossessing human activity.  The location of Harewood as a choice for this unique exhibition reconfirms Woods’ affinity with Yorkshire; as the birthplace of two sculptors she particularly admires, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, and as a place that has an important and transformative effect on her work.

The works have been created on an industrial scale using the lithography print process, unable to find a printing press large enough Woods adapted her studio and used a road roller as a make shift press.  Although using the lithography process meant that only one print was made of each, making them unique one-off pieces.

At first glance these epic works seem to map the naturally formed landscape, but then the lines of once perfectly sculpted faces begin to emerge.  These magnificent alabaster effigies, which record some of the great figures to shape the medieval history of Harewood, are the focus for Woods’ works.  She captures an uneasy sense of a human presence through the carefully drawn lines and bold brushes of colour which are taken from the veining of the stone.  The process of joining the two lithographic plates interrupts the image, reminding us of the disturbing nature of these distorted faces.  These works advance the changes Woods made a couple of years ago and continue her recent enquiry into the wonder and horror of the human head.  This influence is combined with inspiration from the world class Harewood Collection, which includes finely carved sculpture and precious portrait miniatures. The end result is four stunning large scale works; Suzanne, Shirley, Sylvia and Sheila named after song titles by Leonard Cohen, Billy Bragg, Jarvis Cocker and The Smiths, which are displayed to full effect in the contemporary backdrop of the Terrace Gallery at Harewood.

One of the major players in the contemporary art world, Clare Woods’ work is unique.  This is the first time these works have been on display.  This exhibition follows major solo shows at The Hepworth Wakefield, Southampton City Art Gallery and Modern Art London with commissions including her large scale tiled walls for the Olympic Park.

Landscape and nature remain a constant theme at Harewood in 2013 with the major exhibition ‘In Cloud Country’ co-curated by Iwona Blazwick, Director of London’s Whitechapel Gallery and Diane Howse, Countess of Harewood, drawing to a close at the end of June.

‘The Seven Eggs’ is part of the ground-breaking contemporary art programme which showcases new works by some of the most exciting and challenging contemporary artists of our time. Harewood thrives on inspiring originality and celebrating the masters, showcasing works across all art forms, often in response to, or contrasted with Harewood’s historic collections.

Clare Woods is represented by Stuart Shave/Modern Art.