The Art of Illusion: The Theatrical World of Oliver Messel

‘The Art of Illusion’ explores the creative output of Oliver Messel , from interior design to theatre props and film work, Oliver's life in design was influenced by his childhood spent at Nymans. He became Britain’s leading stage designer of the mid-20th-century with his lavish designs. 2025 is the one hundredth anniversary of the start of Oliver Messel’s career as a professional theatre designer.

This exhibition will look at the creative environment of his childhood, his interior design work, theatre prop making and work for film. It will include newly acquired and conserved objects, on public display for the first time, including a vibrant portrait by Oliver Messel of his sister Anne dressed in one of his theatre costumes.

The house at Nymans was damaged by fire in 1947, destroying many of the interiors, including important collections of paintings, books and furniture belonging to the Messel family. Fortunately, some items were saved and were taken by the family to their new house. Oliver inherited a portion of this collection, along with items from their London home, from his parents.

In the 1960s, Messel was commissioned to decorate the interiors at Flaxley Abbey in Gloucestershire. There he recreated the elegant interiors of Nymans, selling some of the furniture, paintings and ceramics from Nymans to the family at Flaxley. Some of these items were purchased by the Trust in 2022, providing the opportunity to bring original contents back to Nymans, some of which will be on display for the first time within the house.

Other key objects in the exhibition include theatre props made for opera performances at Glyndebourne, paintings and a portrait of the 1930s film star, Merle Oberon.

The exhibition opens on Saturday 14 June and is open until Sunday 26 October. Please check the website for times before your visit.