Get creative for Wentworth Woodhouse during lockdown

Valuable art lined the walls of South Yorkshire stately home Wentworth Woodhouse in its Georgian heyday.
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Now supporters are being urged to get creative during lockdown and make their own masterpieces for ‘the Big House.’

Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, which is restoring the Grade I-listed country house back to its former glory has launched a Lockdown Art Contest.

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It wants to see the house, which has a frontage famously bigger than Buckingham Palace, through the eyes of supporters big and small - and the top entry will be seen loud and proud on the front of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust’s first fundraising T-shirt.

Josie Walters, aged 75, of Worsbrough, painted this image of the house and game larderJosie Walters, aged 75, of Worsbrough, painted this image of the house and game larder
Josie Walters, aged 75, of Worsbrough, painted this image of the house and game larder

The hunt is on for paintings, drawings and models, with categories for creative kids and artistic adults.

But while many children are getting arty while being home-schooled during the pandemic, it is mainly adults who have entered so far.

Sarah McLeod, trust chief executive officer, said: “We wanted to inspire people to use their enforced time at home to get creative for us.

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“We have four age categories, ranging from six and under to adults, and have already received some amazing paintings and drawings from grown-ups.

Ellie Fisher, 21, of Tankersley, textile design student at Leeds Arts University, created this print featuring highlights of Wentworth Woodhouse and its grounds. “As a designer it is my passion to capture the local environment and the beauty of Yorkshire,” she said.Ellie Fisher, 21, of Tankersley, textile design student at Leeds Arts University, created this print featuring highlights of Wentworth Woodhouse and its grounds. “As a designer it is my passion to capture the local environment and the beauty of Yorkshire,” she said.
Ellie Fisher, 21, of Tankersley, textile design student at Leeds Arts University, created this print featuring highlights of Wentworth Woodhouse and its grounds. “As a designer it is my passion to capture the local environment and the beauty of Yorkshire,” she said.

“However, it would be lovely to see more images of the house through the eyes of children.”

The closing date for entries is May 23.

Winners of each category will be invited to an afternoon tea for two when the house reopens, and an overall winner will see their design on a fundraising T-shirt.

The trust is also hoping to stage a mini exhibition of all entries after lockdown ends.

Chris Slater, 67, of Greasbrough, Rotherham, took along his easel and paints to capture this scene at a vintage car rally staged at Wentworth Woodhouse two years agoChris Slater, 67, of Greasbrough, Rotherham, took along his easel and paints to capture this scene at a vintage car rally staged at Wentworth Woodhouse two years ago
Chris Slater, 67, of Greasbrough, Rotherham, took along his easel and paints to capture this scene at a vintage car rally staged at Wentworth Woodhouse two years ago
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To keep within social distancing rules, entrants are asked to post a photo of their artwork on Facebook with their name, age and address and tag Wentworth Woodhouse, or send via Messenger.

Wentworth Woodhouse is one of the largest houses in Europe and was built between 1725 and 1750.

The house was sold in March 2017 for £7 million following a five-year campaign by SAVE and the trust.

Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust is now managing a major project to restore the house and open it to the public.

More details about Wentworth Woodhouse and the Lockdown Art Contest are available by visiting wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk