Zoe plucked her art from the attic to win Wentworth Woodhouse contest

Entries came from near and far – as far away as Australia - when Wentworth Woodhouse launched a lockdown art contest.

Paintings, sketches, models and even a pavement chalk picture depicting the life and times of the house were created by supporters aged two to 75.

The top entry - which will soon be emblazoned on Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust’s first fundraising T-shirt - had been gathering dust in an attic for 13 years.

Zoe Rowbottom, of Rawmarsh, created the stylish graphic as a 20-year-old design student at Sheffield’s Norton College – she grew up in Elsecar with a view of Wentworth’s Hoober Stand from her home.

After finishing her course, Zoe decided against an art career and put her Wentworth-inspired piece in the attic.

Now a business analyst at legal firm Irwin Mitchell in Sheffield, Zoe remembered her design when she heard about the contest.

Zoe, mum to Ada, aged five, and 11-month-old Nel, said: “When I created it all those years ago, I thought it would be the perfect logo for the house.

“I can’t believe it is now going to be helping the Trust working hard to restore the place.

“I still adore Wentworth Woodhouse and am proud to be doing my bit.”

An entry by Ellie Fisher, from Tankersley, was equally impressive - the trust now plans to use it on a range of products for its gift shop.

It is a first commission for Ellie, who is in her final weeks studying textile design at Leeds Arts University.

Her intricate repeat-print features scenes from the house and grounds.

The 21-year-old, who aims to be a freelance fabric designer, said: “This is an amazing opportunity for me and such a confidence boost.”

Sarah McLeod, trust chief executive officer, said: “We were overwhelmed at the response. Supporters really got behind it on social media and put huge effort into their entries.

“We may not be open at the moment, but we’re so proud to know people’s hearts are still open to us.

“We want every entry to go on show at the house, which throughout history has been renowned for its artworks.”

See wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk

LIST OF WINNERS:

Bury artist Glenn Jones, 48, won first prize in the over 18s group with his digitally created image of the Marble Saloon floor. He’s been a fan of Wentworth since his partner, who lives in Rotherham, took him to see the house three years ago.

Ellen Stockdale, aged 16, from The Brecks, Rotherham, took first prize in the 13-18 group with a detailed watercolour of the house’s Palladian East Front. Ellen will be studying art and design at Rotherham College this autumn. She once camped overnight on the lawns of Wentworth Woodhouse as a Scout for the Yorkshire Rose Challenge. She won a T-shirt with Wentworth Woodhouse on the front - which she now wears when she paints.

Seven-year-old Lucy Redfern, of Wiltshire, was another winner. Lucy, whose grandparents live in Brampton Bierlow, created a huge model of the house from cardboard.

Reggie Small, aged four, from Mexborough, spent four days perfecting his winning painting of the house. Said mum Charlotte: “He loves art at nursery so we had to continue at home in lockdown. He’s been on a tour at the house and was very excited to paint it. He loved doing all the windows!”

Runners up:

Liam Moxon, Elsecar; scaffolder Neil Revell of Lyndon SGB, who works on site at the house; Guiliana Giudice-Lyon, Thorpe Hesley; Abby Sutherland, Elsecar; Hina Hussain,Batley; Gracie Russell, Sheffield; Atti O’Hagan Montagu, Wath; Tiana Carr, Thorpe Hesley.

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