Exhibitions at Dyrham Park

Two women look at a display of information stands in a room at Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire — Visitors looking at Dyrham Park's latest exhibition | © National Trust Images/Dawn Biggs

Dyrham Park’s latest exhibition is called 'the world of William Blathwayt and the birth of modern Britain'. All about the fast-changing world of the late 17th century, it sets the scene of the 1690s when leading civil servant Blathwayt started rebuilding Dyrham Park. It introduces the transforming local, national and global climate of the period.

What to expect

Housed in rooms never before open to the public, the exhibition is spread across three rooms. These rooms feature short videos as well as an interactive display of objects and collection items, which bring the late 17th century to life.

The first room sets the scene, highlighting well-known names and events of the time. These include the Great Fire of London, the Glorious Revolution, the establishment of the Bank of England as well as the growth in global trade, colonialism and the Atlantic slave trade.

Portrait of William Blathwayt painted by Michael Dahl, found in the Great Hall at Dyrham Park — The exhibition focuses on the world that influenced William Blathwayt | © National Trust Images / Ian Blantern

Introducing Blathwayt

The second room focuses on key moments in Blathwayt’s life during these significant historic events, told through theatre acts on a virtual stage. Then the third room uses special items from Dyrham’s collection to reflect his homelife and career.

Blathwayt’s colonial and military career meant he had many opportunities to procure desirable objects and plants from around the world. Among copies of paintings and maps, other items on display include pistols and Chinese teapots.

‘The exhibition is an introduction to this fascinating period of social, political and economic transformation – a pivotal time for Blathwayt to be at the forefront of government as a new Britain emerged and a new house at Dyrham was constructed.’

- Rupert Goulding, National Trust exhibition curator

Accessing the exhibit

The exhibition is open most days, subject to volunteer availability. It has level access and British Sign Language is available to accompany the films.

Previous exhibitions at Dyrham Park

Delft tile Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire 1036101 — Delft tile at Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire. c1670 | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Colonial Dyrham

Running for a year from late 2020, 'Colonial Dyrham' explored the property’s connections with colonialism. It looked at its global connections and showcased contemporary responses to these histories through words, music, images and poetry. It also created a space where visitors could share their reflections. It was part of a partnership with the University of Leicester called ‘Colonial Countryside’, which aimed to teach people about the colonial connections of properties like Dyrham Park.

A view of the gardens with the West Front of the house in the distance in the summer at Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire — The house and gardens at Dyrham Park | © National Trust Images / Annapurna Mellor

The King and the Courtier

The exhibition 'The King & The Courtier: Dyrham’s Garden Revealed' opened in the house in 2016. It looked at how and why the garden was created by William Blathwayt in the 17th century. This exhibit marked the start of a project to transform what was once Dyrham Park’s front garden, using details of a 17th-century engraving.

A view of the West Front of Dyrham Park on a beautiful autumn's day, Gloucestershire — West Front of Dyrham Park | © National Trust Images/Rupert Truman

Building Dyrham

An exhibition all about the construction of Dyrham Park was launched in 2015 and culminated with a project to rebuild the roof. The exhibit showcased both how the house was originally built, with traditional 17th-century techniques, and ongoing conservation work, with modern techniques used by lead workers, stone workers and carpenters.

A World Away

The 2012 exhibition, 'A World Away', looked at the life and career of William Blathwayt, in partnership with the Arts Council Collection. Contemporary works by artists including Sonia Boyce, Cornelia Parker, Yinka Shonibare and Mark Wallinger offered new perspectives on Dyrham’s history. It covered themes of home and family, as well as Blathwayt’s colonial and military career.

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