Exhibitions at Mottisfont

Next Previous

Mottisfont's last owner, Maud Russell, was a lover of art. We continue those passions today with changing exhibitions in a spacious art gallery.

Our gallery

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

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.

We continue these artistic traditions today, with changing exhibitions throughout the year.

For anyone unable to access the upstairs gallery, we have digital versions of exhibitions on iPads which are available on lower levels.

Exhibitions 2017

A Shell poster of The New Forest by Edward McKnight Kauffer

Discovering Britain exhibition 

6 May to 2 July, 11am-5pm: invoking a spirit of escape and adventure, posters commissioned by Shell from the 1920s – 1950s featured historic landmarks and inspiring scenes of British countryside, brought vividly to life by artists such as Paul Nash, Graham Sutherland, Rex Whistler and Vanessa Bell.

Escape to our gallery
An illustration from the Gruffalo's Child by Axel Scheffler

The Gruffalo and Friends exhibition 

Colourful, characterful works by the much-loved children’s illustrator Axel Scheffler are on display over the summer holidays, 15 July – 3 September. We'll be showcasing illustrations from The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, as well as Stick Man, The Snail and the Whale, Room on the Broom, Zog and many more.

Come and meet the Gruffalo

Kaffe Fassett’s Colour at Mottisfont
16 September - 14 January 2018

Celebrating the dazzling work of world-renowned artist Kaffe Fassett, this vibrant exhibition showcases a wide range of textiles from a career spanning over 50 years. Our gallery will be transformed with pools of colour, providing the perfect backdrop for Kaffe’s distinctive knitwear, tapestry, quilts and more.