“Koons and Co. join the country set.” Trust New Art in The Independent

See Chris Mugan’s great article on Trust New Art’s efforts and Jeff Koons at Waddesdon Manor…

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/features/koons-and-co-join-the-country-set-2066052.html

Bling Meets Baroque: Mark Brazier Jones at The Vyne, Hampshire

Quick! Ends Wednesday September 1^st

The Vyne is such a rich and beautifully intriguing property that it is hard to imagine how the placing of contemporary furniture within the historic setting might actually work. But work it most certainly does!

Mark Brazier Jones’ furniture designs are unique, compelling, at times shocking but they remain simultaneously sensitive to the historical layers of the house within which they have been placed and their presence in the house is undeniably evocative. At times it is hard to tell what items are contemporary pieces by Brazier Jones and what are original to the house, which makes the whole experience of the exhibition ever more exciting.

The National Trust’s The Vyne is a 16^th Century house which contains an eclectic amalgam of art, furniture and textiles collected over more than 500 years. Mark Brazier Jones’ work is equally diverse in its style and use of colour and material making reference to numerous trends in art and design history. Together they represent a marriage of all things eccentric and luxurious.

Pay a visit The Vyne to see for yourself Brazier Jones’ shocking pink chaise-longue, Swarovski crystal-covered table legs, tea trays on train sets and silver and tassels galore. But visit before Wednesday 1^st September or you will have missed out on a variable treat for the eyes.

The Vyne (google maps)  Sherborne St John, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 9HL: Telephone: 01256 883858

For more information about and images of work by Mark Brazier Jones click here

Bling Meets Baroque, at The Vyne, until Tuesday 1^st September 2010.

I hope you enjoy it! Let us know what you thought. You can get in touch with us on twitter, and facebook or by leaving a comment below! We’d love to hear from you.

Lotte Inch, Trust New Art

Thursday 26th August 2010

All that glitters at Kedleston Hall

It has been two weeks since I saw Susie MacMurray’s installation at the National Trust’s Kedleston Hall and still I am still feeling overwhelmed by its deceptively simple beauty, its purity, its unexpectedly calming influence.  It definitely requires another visit. The shimmering, mazelike structure invites visitors to explore and to journey amongst thousands of strands of golden thread which interweave amongst the alabaster pillars of the grand, marble hall and create a golden haze that responds to even the subtlest changes in light. It really is truly awe-inspiring.

Susie MacMurray's 'Promenade.' The Marble Hall, Kedleston, 2010

The Marble Hall at Kedleston with MacMurray's current installation

‘Promenade’ is a response to Kedleston’s history and original purpose as a show palace. It makes associations with the often extravagant history of the house; the Curzon family whose home this has been since the 12th Century; and the rich decoration and use of gold and gilding throughout the property. It is also makes reference to Lady Curzon’s  ‘Peacock Dress’ (think gold, and lots of it, metal threads, and jewels!) made by the Parisian designers The House of Worth and first worn in 1903. (You can see this at Kedleston’s Eastern Museum below the Marble Hall.) See their website for more information about this totally stunning gown.)

This temporary installation ‘Promenade’ is one of 16 commissions which form the national Museumaker project taking place across the country in 2010 / 2011.  It is also a response to the National Trust’s desire to bring its properties to life. And there is no arguing that MacMurray’s installation does not enliven this space!

This is alchemy and art combined. History and the contemporary brought together in a unique partnership that cannot be done justice through words…

Susie MacMurray 'Promenade' 2010

Installation of the work took over a fortnight, and required the help of many of Kedleston’s volunteers, local students and community groups, all overseen by the artist. Benjamin Wigley‘s video of the installation of the piece and discussion with MacMurray is well worth a look… Click here…

Experience Susie MacMurray’s installation ‘Promenade’ at Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire until 30th September. Check Kedleston’s website for more details. Kedleston Hall is open daily except Thursday and Friday from 12  – 5pm.

And if you like what you see, I recommend a peek at Susie MacMurray’s website to see where else you can find her work…

Let us know what you think of the installation. Do you have any images you’d like to share with us from your visit to Kedleston. We would love to hear your comments.

Comment labels at Kedleston Hall

Don’t forget to follow Trust New Art on Twitter and to keep checking the blog. Watch out for facebook pages coming soon too!

Lotte Inch –

Trust New Art intern  – And general lover of historic houses and contemporary art!

Welcome to the Trust New Art blog

Tom Freshwater Contemporary Art Programme Manager

Welcome to the Trust New Art blog. I am Tom Freshwater, the National Trust’s Contemporary Art Programme Manager.

Trust New Art connects more people to National Trust places through contemporary art and craft. It is supported by a partnership with Arts Council England.

The National Trust has been working with contemporary artists at our places for many years – but this is the first time we have pulled all our activity together to tell people about it.

Through this blog you can find out about projects that are already happening, and those that we are planning for the future.

As an organisation, we know that we need to connect with more people. We want to create unforgettable experiences for visitors to National Trust places. We want to support art projects that enhance our places and the stories that are found there.

Many of our places have a history of showing the contemporary art of their day: Kedleston Hall, Ickworth, Petworth, Mottisfont, Croome Park – and there are others. By continuing this legacy, we are keeping these places alive in the spirit of how they were created.

Creative projects can also help people see somewhere in a new light – whether a historic house, landscape, garden or coastal area – and can offer a ‘way in’ for people who otherwise would not think of visiting.

We are prepared to challenge people and their expectations – but we are not setting out to offend. We want to know what you think, so do let us know.

You can also follow us on Twitter (@trustnewart) and see further detail at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trustnewart.