Art can sometimes be seen as stuffy and elitist. July’s Month of Art at Hopton Hall is seeking to change that, offering a welcoming environment where all can get involved. Rebecca Erskine finds out more.
Plans to grow are ambitious at Hopton Hall and certainly buck the trend of several decades where stately homes so often fall into sorry disrepair. Chris and Andi Harvey bought the Grade II listed hall and its sweeping estate in 2023 with two goals in mind: to restore the 16th century manor house and its grounds; and to continue providing the best and friendliest of welcomes for its cottage guests and to visitors to February’s Snowdrop Walk and July’s Month of Art.
Art plays a key role in making that happen. As Chris points out: “When we acquired Hopton, it was bereft of original artworks (they were sold in a 1989 auction). By filling the walls and corridors with paintings, sculptures and other centuries-old objects, we’re really bringing the place back to life.”
The result is an ever-growing collection, already totalling more than 1,000 pieces of artwork, clocks, antiques, chandeliers and other items. The Hall may have had several owners before Chris and Andi arrived (firstly, the Gell family who used the Hall as their ancestral home up until 1989, followed by a further three owners) but Chris is clear that the chapter of each family’s time at the Hall should be celebrated, as demonstrated by the display of the Gell rapier sword and a collection marrying an eclectic mix of old and new.
“I really like the history behind the older paintings”, Chris explains. “Sue Blake, a local award-winning artist, identified that one of our paintings was the work of Howard Hill, the English-born maternal grandfather of the acclaimed American painter and illustrator Norman Rockwell. That came as a huge surprise to us! But I also love work by contemporary artists. When we first moved back to the Dales from the U.S., I asked another local artist, Ruth Matthews, to paint the terraced house in Eastwood where I grew up. Seeing how today’s artists interpret people and places was undoubtedly the inspiration for our Month of Art celebration and new Hopton Hall Gallery in Ashbourne, where Ruth is now our Gallery Director.”
2026 will be the fourth year where the work of local artists is celebrated at the Month of Art. From Thursday to Sunday from the 2nd to the 26th of July, 2D and 3D artists are offered free access to the Estate’s extensive gardens to take inspiration and create artwork to submit into the Month of Art competition.
The celebration offers the perfect backdrop for summer visitors to the Estate’s Walled Rose Garden to watch artists at work and purchase artwork from local and regional art groups and societies such as Peak District Artisans, Nottingham Society of Artists and Hinckley Art Group who will be operating from wooden gazebos. This space will be artisan in every sense of the word – skilled, artistic and local. “So many artisan events start out as such but, over time, smaller, local producers get priced out. Artists work really hard but often earn very little and I think it’s important that they have this platform, as well as the new gallery, to show off their talent. Artists and artists groups can book a gazebo, for free, for any day we’re open for the Month of Art. Over 30 gazebos have already been booked for the final weekend – much to the delight of our resident carpenter, Louis, who will be building them all from scratch!”
There will clearly be a buzz about the place. The gazebos will also be home to artist demos and workshops for anyone wishing to try their hand at new techniques such as Drypoint, Botanical art, oil painting and Powertex!
Garden visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for their three favourite artworks during the final weekend of July. The first-place winner is awarded a cash prize of £1,000, with second place and third place awarded vouchers worth £250 and £100 respectively from Turners Art Supplies.
Chris describes the importance of involving the local community, of all ages, in creating and appreciating art – from collage classes for local primary school children upwards: “The original custodians of the Hall, the Gell family, were known for their influence and generosity towards the local community, and traces of their contribution to the Hall, its grounds and the surrounding area can still be seen today. I really want to carry that on – whether that’s through events and activities at the Hall itself or through investing in the fabulous Grade II listed buildings and pubs we have in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire. Investing in our art collection and opening the grounds, and eventually the Hall, to the public is a small step towards securing the future of the Estate for many generations to come. A lot of that work won’t happen overnight, but our efforts really do come full circle. We support local artists and, in turn, their artwork sparks energy in our area.”
The Month of Art celebration has certainly provided a springboard to showcase some of Derbyshire’s most amazing local talent, with competition winners from previous years, such as Lesley Linley and Tim Rose, featuring in early exhibitions at Hopton Hall Gallery. A Snowdrops exhibition in 2027 will celebrate interpretations of the Hall’s famous snowdrops, captured by artists resident in the café during this year’s Snowdrop Walk opening.
“Each year, the Month of Art goes from strength to strength, and the gallery offers another setting where art can be appreciated by all. It’s exciting to know that we’re only just getting started…”
The Month of Art takes place Thursday – Sunday from 2nd to 26th July. All welcome.
Further information for visitors attending the event and for artists wishing to register for the competition or book a gazebo is available at: hoptonhall.co.uk/month-of-art
Hopton Hall Gallery is open during exhibitions from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm hoptonhallgallery.co.uk.