Art in Nature – Land Art festival comes to Waddesdon Manor from 24 May

Over Spring Bank Holiday weekend, Yorkshire-based land artist James Brunt will create a brand-new artwork in the gardens of Waddesdon Manor for a festival celebrating art in nature.

The public will be able to view Brunt and his team in action as they create a huge Waddesdon Mandala on the South Lawn (below the Parterre) from Saturday 24 to Bank holiday Monday 26 May.

Known for his intricate, temporary rearrangements of natural matter, the work follows on from his public artwork known as The Knowsley Mandala, which was completed in Liverpool in 2022.

The word ‘mandala’ comes from Sanskrit and means a ‘circle’ or ‘centre’, and the interconnected swirling patterns have been seen in various artistic cultures around the world. Now, visitors to Waddesdon will have a unique opportunity to see a monumental land-artwork be created.

Inspired by this ancient concept, the artwork will be created using diluted water-based pitch marker paint, and the mandala is expected to be seen for at least a month after completion.

But the making of the Waddesdon Mandala marks only the beginning of an entire festival of land art this May half term.

From Wednesday 28 May to Sunday 1 June, several leading artists who specialise in working with natural materials will be creating further artworks throughout the gardens. Their temporary installations will draw inspiration from Waddesdon’s unique landscape, offering visitors a chance to witness first hand their creative processes and the beautiful results celebrating the natural world.

As well as James Brunt featured artists include:

Jon Foreman from Pembrokeshire who uses materials such as stones, leaves, recycled material and general debris to create miniscule or monumental works. Artist duo Mark and Rebecca Ford, based in the South Downs National Park, draw on techniques of willow craft and woodland management. Lancashire’s Richard Shilling who creates ephemeral art by photographing his sculptures in ambient light, and environmental artist Tim Pugh, working from Flintshire and Cumbria, who creates sculptures using natural materials and decorates trunks and boulders to highlight local flora and fauna. Portugal’s Ana Castilho creates detailed mandalas that are inspired by her Portuguese home environment, and Lancashire’s Julie Brooklyn creates playful interactive works while also running Land Art for Kids that encourages young people to explore and appreciate creative play in nature.

Visitors will be able to see all these artists at work, and, importantly, will be able to get involved with the creativity themselves. There will also be an accompanying programme of free events with the artists, including Q&A sessions, hands-on workshops, and masterclasses.

And incredibly, everyone will be able to take part in a festival finale artwork on Saturday 31 May. Under the direction of James Brunt and his fellow artists, a large new work will be created, drawing on the help of adults and children alike.

Waddesdon will already be humming with outside activity with the Conservation Hub running lots of events throughout the month of May. Beyond Art in Nature, Waddesdon will offer a variety of outdoor activities for all ages throughout May.

The first bank holiday weekend of the month sees the grounds host an array of birds of prey. You can learn about the habits, habitats and history of these birds, and, if feeling brave, strap on a handler’s glove and hold the birds an arm’s length away.

And on Sunday 11 and 18 May there is a unique opportunity to go for a Dawn Chorus Walk. Beginning at 4am, these special guided walks offer an incredible chance to hear the magical sounds of early morning bird song in Waddesdon’s grounds. Expect peacefulness, tranquility, and a chance for a hot drink and breakfast bap after the walk. Places are limited so be sure to book early if you want to have a magical morning moment.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy the Tremendous Trees Online Trail, a free interactive digital map highlighting Waddesdon’s most extraordinary trees, their botanical significance and their stories within the estate’s rich history.

James Brunt said: “I’m so excited to create Art in Nature for Waddesdon, the grounds and landscape are a perfect match for the fantastic ensemble of artists from across the UK and Europe who will be joining us this year to create and share their art. But this event is definitely not just about the artists, Art in Nature is an invitation for everyone, young and old to come along, get involved and get creative in this beautiful outdoor setting.

Across May half term we have so much going on, from talks and masterclasses, artist workshops and film presentations to opportunities to collaborate with internationally renowned land artists creating new temporary works specifically for Waddesdon. But most importantly loads of wonderful outdoor space in which to channel your inner artists and immerse yourself in the landscape.”

Please check the website for the latest information.

NOTES TO EDITORS

IMAGES FOR MEDIA USE CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

Waddesdon Manor was built at the end of the 19th century by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the style of a French early 16th-century château. Baron Ferdinand was an inspired collector, and the house was designed to showcase his exceptional collection of English and Dutch paintings, French 18th-century furniture, Sèvres porcelain, and other decorative arts. When Ferdinand died in 1898, he left Waddesdon to his sister, Alice, who also was a great collector. Upon her death the house passed to her great-nephew, James de Rothschild, who inherited a substantial part of his father Baron Edmond’s great collection. In 1957, to ensure its future in perpetuity, Waddesdon was bequeathed to the National Trust. The Rothschild family continues to run Waddesdon through a family charitable trust, the Rothschild Foundation. Until February 2024, it was under the chairmanship of Jacob, 4^th Lord Rothschild. His eldest daughter, Hannah Rothschild, is now the Chair. More here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, INTERVIEWS AND IMAGES

Tracy Jones, Brera PR – tracy@brera-london.com / 01702 216658 / 07887 514984 / www.brera-london.com