For art lovers

Pre-Raphaelite, Art Nouveau, Old Master, contemporary… We love art, whether it’s painting, sculpture, photography or drawing. If you’re an art lover too, we can help you discover more about the art at our places

Petworth House from the Lake: Dewy Morning, painting by JMW Turner, c. 1810 — JMW Turner (1775-1851), Petworth House from the Lake: Dewy Morning, c.1810 / Petworth NT 486630

A close up view of the marble sculpture; John Flaxman's Fury of Athamas — Fury of Athamas sculpture at Ickworth tells a gruesome story

Lacock Abbey by John Piper — Lacock Abbey from the West by John Piper, 1942

Paintings of our places

Over the years many of our landscapes and buildings have inspired artists. Uncover some of the paintings that have captured our special places.

Explore our places in paintings

Where it's at

Close up of the sculpture 'Bronze Hares' by Barry Flanagan, situated in the gardens at Dudmaston, Shropshire

Modern art at Dudmaston

Dudmaston offers something unexpected in the house and that is the collection of modern art. The collection was the life’s work of Sir George Labouchere, who lived at Dudmaston, with his wife Rachel, until his death in 1999.

Stanley Spencer memorial headstone, Cookham, Berkshire

Stanley Spencer and Cookham Commons

Having been born and raised in the village of Cookham, the works of artist Stanley Spencer encapsulate the rural idyll of his local surroundings.

Beatrix Potter, Dinner in Mouseland, 1890-1895 / Beatrix Potter Gallery — Dinner in Mouseland / NT 242737

Between naturalism and fantasy: the art of Beatrix Potter

We house the single largest collection of Beatrix Potter's published illustrations, as well as a treasure trove of letters, photographs, unpublished drawings and manuscripts. What do her works reveal about her commitment to scientific accuracy and imaginative exploration?

Find out more

Visitors looking at Whistler's mural at Plas Newydd — Rex Whistler's biggest mural in the dining room at Plas Newydd

A talented young artist at Plas Newydd

Rex Whistler’s magnificent masterpiece at Plas Newydd tells the story of the unrequited love of a contractor and the Marquess’s daughter, woven into the colossal canvas. The painting's imagined setting of mountains, harbours, towns and people, gives you an insight into a bygone era and the life of family and friends at Plas Newydd.

Find out more about Rex Whistler

‘Love Among the Ruins’ by Burne-Jones displayed in the Great Parlour, Wightwick Manor

Pre-Raphaelite art collection at Wightwick

Discover how Sir Geoffrey and Lady Mander's collection of Pre-Raphaelite art at Wightwick Manor came into being.

Constable - an artist's life

Flatford was at the heart of Constable's childhood and early years. He returned regularly painting scenes from the Stour valley throughout his life.

Follies in the garden at Packwood House

The last private owner of Packwood, Graham Baron Ash, hosted a series of Follies – theatrical entertainments and plays in architectural structures in the gardens, which have been given a contemporary re-working by artist Hilary Jack.

Exhibition highlights

Special exhibitions guide

Here's our guide to current and future exhibitions at our places. Take your pick from exhibitions showcasing Grayson Perry, Rossetti drawings, Morris & Co. designs, explorations of humanity and home, powerful women, nature-inspired art, fashion and more.