Explore history through Contemporary art at Gibside

External shot of Fiona Curran's art next to the orangery

Visit this rare example of a Georgian landscape garden during the summer and expect a few extra surprises. Think evocative, celebratory and poignant works of art.

To commemorate a year of 'Women and Power' you can explore new artworks by artists Andrew Burton and Fiona Curran celebrating Gibside's most famous female custodian, Mary Eleanor Bowes.

Commissioned by Newcastle University, Contemporary art at Gibside will see an architectural folly by the orangery and large vessels within the walled garden and alongside the avenue from Saturday 12 May to 30 September.

These pieces have been created as part of a research project, Mapping Contemporary Art in the Heritage Experience, which explores how art might change your experience at a heritage site, such as Gibside.

Mapping Contemporary Art in the Heritage Experience is a major research project led by Newcastle University with the National Trust, Churches Conservation Trust, Arts Council England and Contemporary Visual Arts Network resulting in four new artworks in heritage sites, an online digital resource, conference and exhibition. For more details, you can visit http://research.ncl.ac.uk/mcahe

Explore Gibside's history through contemporary art

Fiona working on her art at Gibside

Your sweetest empire is to please by Fiona Curran 

Fiona Curran’s artwork for Gibside reflects her interest in historical landscape, ownership and gender politics. Mixed media artist Fiona, has created a folly that explores Mary Eleanor's love for botany.

Andrew Burton working on artworks

The orangery urns by Andrew Burton 

Artist Andrew Burton will be drawing inspiration from the 12 Georgian urns that once graced Mary Eleanor’s beloved orangery. He has created a series of works that symbolise confinement, dependency, desperate bids for freedom and the outpourings of anger and loss.

A portrait of Mary Eleanor Bowes
Gibside   Tyne & Wear

Celebrating Women and Power

It’s 100 years since our ancestors fought for and won the right for some women to vote in a British Parliamentary election. We’re marking the centenary of this step forward in equal rights by exploring women’s history and celebrating the achievements of inspirational women. Step forward, Mary Eleanor Bowes...

Find out more about Mary Eleanor Bowes
An oil painting, The Hanging Swing, by Mark Fairnington
Gibside   Tyne & Wear

Walking, looking and telling tales by Mark Fairnington

As part of Mapping Contemporary Art within a Heritage Environment, artist Mark Fairnington has produced a new exhibition for Cherryburn called 'Walking, looking and telling tales'. It will display a series of miniature oil paintings, which have been made to reflect the place, the landscape and the work of Thomas Bewick. Fitting that it will be hosted at the birthplace of Bewick himself from 2 June to 4 November.

Find out more about 'Walking, looking and telling tales' at Cherryburn
Artist Serena Korda installs her ceramic mushroom artwork

Art and exhibitions in the North of England  

Discover new art across the North of England this year through Trust New Art, a programme of contemporary arts inspired by our places.

Please check opening times before visiting National Trust places. Free entry for National Trust members, otherwise normal admission charges apply.