Covering the arts is always uplifting and it was a pleasure to attend the press night at Ham House for ‘Garden of Reason, A season of contemporary art in the garden’. Despite heavy showers, the marquee and gardens were packed with inspired people keen to see what the title was all about, and it was great to see so many students and young people there.
Simon Jenkins, Chairman of the National Trust, spoke about his particular affection for Ham House and explained how the National Trust is striving to change its image. They are keen to avoid NT properties becoming museums and want more interaction; they particularly want more young people to enjoy visiting them.
Simon Jenkins, Chairman of the National Trust, spoke about his particular affection for Ham House and explained how the National Trust is striving to change its image. They are keen to avoid NT properties becoming museums and want more interaction; they particularly want more young people to enjoy visiting them.
The NT spends a phenomenal amount of money restoring their old houses, but they are now moving away from just popping the old furniture back in when it’s done and are putting ‘new things into old houses’. “We are taking a risk,” said the charming Mr J, “We hope it works.”
The Garden of Reason has been created in response to Trust New Art, a partnership between Arts Council England and the National Trust to connect more people to NT sites through contemporary art and craft.
17 contemporary artists were invited to create new works for the 17th century gardens at Ham House. The 8 major themes interpret themes such as Tulipmania, democracy in ruins, arcadia redesigned, the impact of early scientific discovery by Galileo and Newton and other wacky titles.
4 'live art' commissions consider the status of cut grass, the relationship of Charles 1 to his whipping boy, Elizabeth Dysart as apothecary and oh, rather ordinary this one! - 17th century music.
Now if all of that doesn’t fascinate young people and get them through the doors of Ham House, I don’t know what will.
This has been a massive collaboration between the NT, the Arts Council, curator Tessa Fitzjohn, local schools, students, teachers, volunteers at Ham House and it has created a very positive feeling throughout the house and the surrounding community.
Added to which, Ham House has to be one of the greatest hidden secrets on the outer fringes of London.
Be sure to go this summer to catch the contemporary art exhibition - ends September 23rd.
Be sure to go this summer to catch the contemporary art exhibition - ends September 23rd.
Ham House website - http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house
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