National Trust to open a Modernist gem in Devon
High Cross House in Devon
© Chris Boden
Latest update 30.01.2012 14:22
High Cross House, near Totnes in Devon, is a stunning house in the International Modern style designed by Swiss-American architect William Lescaze in 1932. It was commissioned by Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst as a ‘machine for living in’ for William Curry, the first headmaster of Dartington Hall School.
We will work in partnership with The Dartington Hall Trust, owners of High Cross House, and others to build a community-led sustainable model of management and programming which will make High Cross House a local hub for contemporary arts and a new face for the National Trust.
Formerly opened by The Dartington Hall Trust as a venue to exhibit some of their 20th-century art collection, we are taking on the house with its indigenous furniture only. These are pieces commissioned by Curry for the house and include some Bauhaus.
Showcase for contemporary art
The living and dining rooms will be shown much as they have been seen before, but the rest of the house will be shown ‘naked’. This will give the opportunity for the local community to give their ideas and inspirations for how to adorn and dress the house.
Over the first few months a ‘call to artists’ to respond to this famous building will enable an on-going rotating programme of exhibitions and installations by nationally recognised ‘names’ and emerging local artists.
Inspired by the 1928 ‘machine for living’, an art, craft and design led retail offer will be complemented by simple catering. There will be opportunities for artists, volunteers and staff to get involved.
Community conversation
High Cross House will open to the public on 7 March 2012. On Wednesday 25 January there was an opportunity to hear about the plans both for High Cross House and the arts at Dartington at a public ‘Community Conversation’. The event was led by David Francis, Director of Arts at Dartington, and Robyn Brown, General Manager of the National Trust, English Riviera.
Vaughan Lindsay, CEO, of The Dartington Hall Trust, said: 'We’re very excited by this new partnership with the National Trust. We hope the partnership will bring many new visitors to the estate to enjoy High Cross House, explore Dartington’s glorious grounds and gardens and find out more about our charitable programmes in the arts, social justice and sustainability.'
Robyn Brown, General Manager of the National Trust, English Riviera, added: 'High Cross is among the top five Modernist houses in the country. We are really delighted to be working with Dartington to offer this special place for members, visitors and locals to come and enjoy again and again.'
For more information please call 01803 842382 or email us.