Art at Mottisfont

Visitors enjoying an art exhibition at Mottisfont, Hampshire — Visit our gallery throughout the year for changing exhibitions

Mottisfont became the centre of a creative circle in the early 20th century thanks to last owner Maud Russell. We continue those traditions today with up to five major exhibitions a year in a spacious art gallery. We also support artists in residence to create site-specific installations here.

All our exhibitions are included within normal property admission, free to National Trust and Art Fund members.

Current exhibition and installations

A cartoon illustration by Bill Stott — For supper tonight I thought I'd do a Turkish Metzani with roasted garlic, asparagus and an egg plant fricassee. Then I thought sod it and made cheese on toast instead.

Comedy and Commentary

18 January - 19 April: discover witty works from some of Britain's best cartoonists, in a new art exhibition that explores the distinguished history of British cartooning.

Have a chuckle with our cartoon exhibition

Access to the art gallery, where we hold our changing exhibitions, is via a wooden staircase. There is no lift. iPads showing photographs of the current exhibition are available for visitors unable to access the second floor.

A laser scan of Mottisfont's Whistler Room — Casting Light takes an imaginative journey through Mottisfont's architecture

Art installations

Look out for art installations as you explore the house and grounds. Casting Light takes an imaginative journey through Mottisfont's architectural layers, while a sound experience inspired by places of pilgrimage can be found in the Beech Circle and Gardener's Cottage.

Immserse yourself in art

Upcoming exhibitions

Faces of Change: Moving Stories
2 May - 5 July

Through a diverse selection of portraits from the National Portrait Gallery's Collection, you'll encounter the personal stories and rich contributions of people who have made the UK their home, from the sixteenth century to today.

Faces of Change will be shown alongside a complementary exhibition resulting from a community engagement partnership with the John Hansard Gallery, University of Southampton.

A Portrait of the National Trust: 125 Stories for 125 Years
19 September – 8 November

125 compelling black and white photographic portraits alongside inspiring interviews, including our own River Keeper.

An artistic past

Maud Russell made Mottisfont into a vibrant hub of artistic activity from the 1930s onwards. She supported and commissioned work. She invited many Modern British artists, critics and designers for long weekends of croquet and creative conversation here.

Artist and collector Derek Hill was a frequent visitor. He honoured his long friendship with the Russells by leaving a substantial collection of 20th-century art to us, on display throughout the house.

An oil painting of Lake Como by the artist Derek Hill — Lake Como from Mrs Heinz's Villa, Derek Hill

The Derek Hill Collection

We're home to a collection of 20th-century art, including works by L.S. Lowry, Barbara Hepworth and Graham Sutherland. They were gifted to us by the artist Derek Hill, in memory of a long friendship with last owner Maud Russell.

Delve into our permanent art collection