Art at Beningbrough

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Discover an exhibition of portraits and sculptures in the hall this year, featuring Yorkshire people recognised for their achievements, their grit or their controversial opinions or actions. Journey through the Saloon Galleries and consider what makes the Yorkshire reputation.

Yorkshire! Achievement, Grit and Controversy

With 25 artworks on loan from the National Portrait Gallery, the Arts Council Collection, Olivia Hemingway – a photographic artist in Yorkshire – and York Art Gallery this is Beningbrough’s biggest and boldest exhibition yet. The fascinating display sits alongside narratives and interactives delving into the stories behind the people, their highs and their lows.

Influence and opinion

The people of Yorkshire are often thought of as being argumentative and somewhat stubborn, leading to a particular reputation. In the East Gallery of the Hall find artworks featuring familiar Yorkshire faces whose reputations often precede them. Arthur Scargill, Geoffrey Boycott, Guy Fawkes and Marco Pierre White are all well known for their determination to achieve and in doing so have gone against the grain.

God’s own county and artistic achievers

Yorkshire is well known as a creative powerhouse with its renowned art galleries, institutions and individual artists. Head to the impressive Saloon Gallery to find works by some of the twentieth century's most celebrated artistic achievers, hailing from and inspired by God’s own county. On display are sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore and paintings by Trevor Bell and Patrick Heron.

Photograph showing actress Jodie Whittaker's head and shoulders — The first female Doctor Who features as a Yorkshire face

Recognise that voice?

Yorkshire phrases, dialects and accents are a distinct feature of the county. Step into the North Gallery to celebrate the voices of Yorkshire. Unmistakably Yorkshire, you’ll find Michael Parkinson and Alan Bennett alongside Ed Sheeran and Jarvis Cocker who have used their lyrics and music to express themselves.

" Someone worked out that Yorkshire has more acres in it than the Bible has words. I mean, who bloody well would do that? A Yorkshireman, that’s who."

Your Yorkshire favourites

After you’ve taken in the exhibition let us know who or what symbolises Yorkshire to you, were they featured? Are some of the stereotypes out of date in our modern county? Don’t miss the opportunity to share your thoughts with us when you visit using the interactive features.

Opening dates

The exhibition is open over three rooms on the first floor of the hall on Tuesdays to Sundays until 3 November 2019, 11.30am - 4pm. Last entry is at 3.30pm.

Normal admission charges apply to visit Beningbrough or free to National Trust members.

Yorkshire born Barbara Hepworth is just one of the artists with work on show in the new exhibition — Yorkshire born Barbara Hepworth is just one of the artists with work on show, courtesy Arts Council Collection

See what's coming next...

Blue illustration of a hare created from linoprint

Winter wildlife in print at Beningbrough

New for winter 2019, encounter a series of handcrafted installations by Yorkshire artist Gerard Hobson as you wander through the gardens and garden buildings, and find a print exhibition upstairs in the Hayloft.