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Art at Beningbrough

Art supplies on a table at Beningbrough
Discover contemporary artworks, spark your imagination, and maybe even create a masterpiece of your own | © National Trust/ Anthony Chappel Ross

Explore The Reddihough Galleries and exhibitions past, present and future, on the first floor of Beningbrough Hall.

The exhibitions at Beningbrough are designed to offer new perspectives, bringing together outstanding contemporary and historic art from artists, museums, galleries and National Trust collections. As the programme evolves, a special connection will run throughout: the relationship between art, landscape and nature. Inspired by Beningbrough's gardens and their ongoing transformation under garden designer Andy Sturgeon, each exhibition will be shaped by a strong sense of place, inviting visitors to see Beningbrough's landscape, history and character in new ways.

Coming Soon - At the Bend in the River: Paintings by Nancy Cadogan 

10 October 2026 – 04 April 2027 (on open days) 

Woman sat smiling on a stool in a studio with large paintings behind
Artist Nancy Cadogan in her studio | © Brynley Davies

Beningbrough’s next exhibition showcases a vibrant collection of newly commissioned and existing works by acclaimed British artist Nancy Cadogan. Known for her evocative paintings and drawings, Cadogan has exhibited internationally, including at the Saatchi Gallery, The Garden Museum, and the Keats-Shelley House in Rome. 

This special exhibition brings together landscapes, trees, gardens and threads of literary history, inviting visitors to explore how a place is shaped by memory, artistry, and human connection. Moving between the real and the imagined, Cadogan’s work reflects on women, time, and storytelling - where rivers, forests and tree-lined paths become symbols of continuity, transformation, and the journeys we take. 

What to expect  

Discover a thoughtful and visually rich exhibition in the Reddihough Galleries, offering new perspectives on the natural world and the narratives that root us within it. Inspired by the changing landscape and history of Beningbrough, Nancy Cadogan’s expressive and vibrant art works will be displayed across four rooms, with a film and hands-on activities offering more insight into the artist’s approach.  

Contributing Artists

Kathryn Tann is a writer and editor based in York, and Beningbrough's first Writer in Residence. Author of Seaglass: Essays, Moments and Reflections, her work is rooted in place, nature and observation. For this exhibition, she has curated the writing room and written new poetry in response to themes and approaches also found in Nancy's artworks, creating fresh connections between visual art, writing and place. She is the creator of the podcast series This Place, a York Creatives board member, and co-founder of the literary journal Folding Rock. She has been shortlisted for the Nature Chronicles Prize, PENfro Prize, Terry Hetherington Awards and New Welsh Writing Awards.

Tanya Raabe-Webber was born in Scarborough and now lives in Shropshire. As a renowned disabled visual artist, she has worked on collaborations with the BBC, National Portrait Gallery and Tate. In 2024, her portraits of significant disabled cultural figures were exhibited at the Venice Biennale. For this exhibition, she has designed the drawing studio, which creates opportunities for visitors to explore their own creativity by taking a line for a walk, or finding joy in putting pencil to paper. She is Artistic Director for Visual Arts at Sense.

The Reddihough Galleries

The late Mr Ian Reddihough, a proud Yorkshireman and avid supporter of Beningbrough Hall, has left a lasting gift in his will to support the conservation and care of this cherished place. 

To commemorate Mr Reddihough’s exceptional gift, the first-floor art gallery spaces have been named in his honour. His generous contribution will ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and history of Beningbrough.

Mr Reddihough’s gift serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that gifts in wills can have. Whether it’s a gift to plant a new sapling or a gift to build an entire garden, we hope it inspires others to consider leaving a lasting legacy – no matter the size – of their own. 

Find out how gifts in wills play a vital role in supporting the preservation of our nation's heritage and the special places that you love.

Don't miss

The gallery entrance panel, inscribed with Mr Reddihough's name was the winning entrant from a competition for Design Students at nearby York St. John University and designed by Hilary Pitcher.

Previous exhibitions

Previous exhibitions

Grid of 9 images
Two people looking at a large willow sculpture in a grand historic room with wooden floors and golden pillars
Thicket by Laura Ellen Bacon was a striking statement in the heart of the hall | © National Trust/Anthony Chappel-Ross
Colourful botanical paper cuts of a sunflower and a poppy on a black background
The Botanical World of Mary Delany from the British Museum | © The Trustees of the British Museum
Artist Rebecca Stevenson working on two large white sculptures with photos and drawings on the back wall
Rebecca Stevenson's sculpture added more to the botanical world | © Marianne Wie
Large grand room with art on the walls and high backed armchairs to sit on
The Saloon is often the centre piece of most hangs and makes for a striking gallery space | © National Trust / Anthony Chappel-Ross
Head shot of a woman smiling in front of black and white images on the wall
Photographer Kate Buckley with several of her Beningbrough Italianate pieces | © National Trust / Anthony Chappel-Ross
View showing a decorative staircase with a lit portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Chris Levine
Portraits from the National Portrait Gallery have featured, including this of Queen Elizabeth II by Chris Levine | © National Trust / Joanne Parker
Modern sculpture of Doryphoros in a large historic hall with windows framing the artwork
Doryphorus by Matthew Darbyshire stood proud in the Great Hall, as part of the Arts Council Collection exhibition in 2020/2021 | © National Trust / Joanne Parker
Room with folding screen in foreground, table and pictures on display, open books in clear cabinets.
Layers of history are added to the themes using parts of the National Trust collection from all over the country | © National Trust/Gareth Buddo
Display of hanging butterfly origami in stairwell, archway and stairs in the background.
Each exhibition has interactive and hands-on aspects like local artist Kate Buckley's origami room | © National Trust / Gareth Buddo
Overhead shot showing countryside, gardens, hall, walled garden and tree lined avenue

Discover more at Beningbrough

Find out when Beningbrough is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

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Beningbrough's garden vision 

Discover how award-winning garden designer Andy Sturgeon is collaborating with the National Trust to transform Beningbrough’s gardens. Explore the progress made so far and what exciting developments lie ahead in the long term vision for the Yorkshire estate.

Two wooden chairs in a gravel garden surrounded by plants and grasses with a large round water bowl

Things to see in the garden at Beningbrough 

Discover the formal gardens, walled kitchen garden, herbaceous borders and wildlife areas, each with its own style and beauty. Experience the tranquillity of the Mediterranean Garden, the latest new space designed by Andy Sturgeon. Find out more about this RHS partner garden in Yorkshire.

Visitors exploring the Walled Garden at Beningbrough, North Yorkshire

Things to see in Beningbrough Hall 

Explore what to expect visiting the historic rooms on the ground floor, from feats of engineering, striking architecture and symbolic pieces of the collection marking moments in time. Find out about the next exhibition in the first floor Reddihough Galleries.

A room guide talking to male and female visitors, the man has a baby in a baby carrier on his front, in the Great Hall at Beningbrough, North Yorkshire

Eating at Beningbrough 

Choose from a range of tasty snacks and drinks at Beningbrough's restaurant and two other eateries, open on selected days. Find out where to refuel with your dog, indoor and out.

Visitors enjoying coffee and cake in the restaurant at Beningbrough

Exhibitions at Nunnington Hall 

Nunnington Hall's year-round exhibition programme celebrates a rich mix of artistic talent, welcoming established and emerging artists, photographers, illustrators, sculptors and community groups to showcase their work in the gallery.

Framed artwork on the walls in a wooden-beamed room. There are framed works on easels and mug and flower displays on a table in the centre of the room.

Special exhibitions 

Connect with nature, beauty and history at an exhibition near you. From showcasing art and collections, to exploring the connections between people and places, there's something for everyone.

Two willow sculptures on white plinths in a large historic stone hall with carved architecture

Gifts in wills 

From restoring world-famous art to protecting wildlife habitats, gifts in wills are used right at the heart of the work we carry out at special places. Please consider leaving a legacy to help look after the places you love for future generations.

Two visitors in winter wear outside looking at a guidebook with parts of the red brick Charlecote Park behind

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