Bess: unframing the family
Following conservation and analysis, several family portraits return to the collection. Discover what new insights can be found beneath their surface.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
This new exhibition explores Bess and her family through the themes of creation, conservation and investigation. It brings together family portraits and other significant objects from the collection to reveal new insights into both the artworks and the people they depict.
On the ground floor, the museum rooms have been transformed into an introduction to the world of conservation, offering an in‑depth look at the technical analysis behind each portrait. Discover how infrared imaging, x‑radiography and macro XRF scanning are used, and what these techniques reveal about the artists’ creative processes. You can also watch a short film that explores the conservation of two portraits from the collection, showcasing the specialist skills involved.
Throughout the rest of the house, follow the signage to find additional objects from the collection that uncover further stories about Bess and her family.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- What to bring and wear
This exhibition will predominately take place in the museum rooms on the ground floor and will continue through the rest of the Hall.
- Accessibility
This exhibition will predominately take place on the ground floor in the museum rooms which can be accessed via ramps. Some parts of the exhibition will be in the upper levels of the Hall but there are no lift facilities available in the Hall. The buggy will be available to take people from the Visitor Reception Building to the Gatehouse.
Upcoming events
Writers' Retreat at Hardwick Hall
Carve out a space dedicated to your writing in this new writers’ retreat in the beautiful setting of Hardwick (lunch and refreshments are provided throughout the day).
Create With Us: Creative Writing Workshop
Come and join us for creative writing workshops through the year exploring themes of Elizabethan festivals, changes in the seasons, or empowering women.
Guided by Nature: Veteran Tree Walk
Tour Hardwick’s veteran tree collection to understand how they provide protected habitats for rare fungi, bats, lichens and so much more!
Walk With Us: Wider Estate Walks
Discover Hardwick’s longer walking routes on a free guided group walk around the estate. With 7 different walks to choose from, sign up to one or challenge yourself to complete them all!