Local Artists at Upton House for Warwickshire Open Studios

Inspired by Upton

Over the last 10 months the artists have been taking photos, sketching and developing their ideas to build a unique body of work inspire by Upton House’s new presentation Made to Measure Home, looking back to the purchase of Upton in the 1920s and its new lease of life after renovations.  

See the finished peices at Upton

Visitors will be able to see their finished pieces and the mood boards showing the development and inspiration for their work.  During the exhibition from 17 June – 2 July visitors will meet the artists and watch demonstrations, and be able to purchase their artworks.

Enjoying the challenge

Painter Heather Bailey explains how she develops her work: “As a local artist, I was very excited at the opportunity to exhibit with our local National Trust. I have exhibited with the three other participating artists several times, and we shall work closely together to produce a spirit of space, shape and colour. My creative juices were flowing in all directions after our first tour of Upton House and I realised just what a wonderful challenge it was going to be for all of us. As a contemporary landscape and abstract painter, the chance to produce a body of work in the Art Deco style with a 21^st century slant, which would also create a modern link with the House, is a daunting thought. 

During the tour, I took many photographs, particularly of shapes and patterns outside and inside the House. I have since produced sketches and tried to soak up the atmosphere of the period when the Bearsted family first took up residence in the 1920s. I am gradually forming ideas of colour, shape and distinct patterns and plan to produce work which will harmonise with the criteria for the new Exhibition and give a modern feel to the House.”

Come and meet the artisits

In the group with Heather are ceramicist Penny Varley, animal portrait painter Melanie Charles and textile artist Liz Mann. 

Penny Varley said “Our varied backgrounds and life journeys have shaped where we are today and we all have our own stories to tell. Our artistic flare and passion for our subjects are demonstrated in our work and we relish the opportunity that this new venture brings.  We look forward to seeing how the work develops and the reactions to it by yourselves and the general public.”