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Art at Beningbrough

Woman holding willow stood indoors next to a large flowing willow sculpture
Coming next... Whispers of the Wilderness: Exploring Wilderness Gardens with Laura Ellen Bacon | © Alun Callender courtesy of Hignell Gallery

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

Beningbrough's changing exhibitions are thoughtfully curated. Working with artists, in partnership with museums and galleries, and drawn from National Trust collections. Over the coming years, the gallery will showcase high quality contemporary and historic art. A special thread running through the exhibitions will be the relationship to the gardens at Beningbrough, and the developments being led by garden designer Andy Sturgeon. 

 

Between exhibitions

Coming next - Whispers of the Wilderness: Exploring Wilderness Gardens

2 September 2025 – 12 April 2026 on open days

Step into a world where art and nature intertwine in a celebration of Beningbrough’s Wilderness Garden, past and present.

Sculpture and sound

In the year that garden designer, Andy Sturgeon breathes new life into the landscape with enhanced planting and reimagined vistas, artist Laura Ellen Bacon brings the essence of the garden indoors with her striking, large-scale willow sculptures. Inspired by nature and rooted in place, Bacon’s flowing, organic forms transform Beningbrough Hall, capturing the movement and energy of the wild.

In the Great Hall, woven willow sculptures spill over the sides of the bases, suggesting nature untamed and wild. The shape creates movement like trees swaying in the wind. In the Saloon Gallery, an oversized looping sculpture invites you to step around all sides and get close to the piece - an immersive reflection on nature’s resilience and our connection to the land. 

Wilderness Gardens through time

Inside a large historic book with writing and botanical illustrations
Uncover the historical significance of wilderness gardens | © National Trust / Joanne Parker

Alongside these contemporary works, nine historic pieces from the National Trust collection trace the eighteenth-century passion for wilderness gardens and their role as sensory retreats. 

Look out for sculptures by the fireplace, beautifully illustrated historical books, landscape sketches, paintings and maps.

 

The Drawing Studio

For those inspired to get involved, artist Tanya Raabe-Webber has designed a new drawing studio. You're invited to pick up a pencil and join in with your contributions and sketches. Laura Ellen Bacon’s artistic process of responding to nature starts through sketching. What will you start?

The accessible space is designed for all, beginners and more experienced artists, young and... those with more life experience. Work side by side, join the collaborative drawings, create miniatures, explore the sensory box and add to the artist bench. Whether you’ve never drawn or regularly doodle we encourage everyone to join in and take a line for a walk.

It's created as a place to relax, to be inspired, to have a go. 

Two hands holding a pencil surrounded by small sketches
Add to the exhibition with your sketch | © Tanya Raabe-Webber Artist

An experience for all the senses

Around the galleries...

  • Breathe in the scent of fragrant willow as you wander
  • Head to the designated touch spaces to get a feel for the willow and the basic knots and weaves that form the foundation of the sculptures
  • See Laura's sketches as she initially develops her ideas from place to page to design
  • Relax in the audio chair to hear extracts from Mansfield Park and Pride and Prejudice
  • Read new poetry inspired by the exhibition, from University of York students
  • Lose yourself in a new nature inspired soundscape by artist Gaia Blandina

 

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 8 images
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

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