Wentworth Woodhouse, a historic stately home in Rotherham, is once again at the centre of artistic creation as local artists retrace the footsteps of George Stubbs, one of the Georgian era’s most celebrated painters. These modern creators, many of whom have learning disabilities, have reinterpreted the very scenes that Stubbs immortalized over 260 years ago.
Their work is now proudly displayed in the mansion’s latest exhibition, “Beneath the Surface: George Stubbs & Contemporary Artists,” commemorating the 300th anniversary of Stubbs’ birth and his significant residency at Wentworth Woodhouse in 1762.
Revisiting George Stubbs’ artistic journey
George Stubbs, renowned for his vivid and lifelike depictions of horses and dogs, spent nearly a year at Wentworth Woodhouse, at the behest of the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham. During his stay, Stubbs produced seven remarkable paintings, four of which feature prominently in the current exhibition. These works, including the iconic “Portrait of Scrub In A Landscape with John Singleton Up” and “Five of Lord Rockingham’s Stag Hounds in a Landscape,” are now joined by contemporary interpretations crafted by participants from ArtWorks South Yorkshire.
The exhibition, which opened on July 30th and runs for three months, marks the largest art display ever organized by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust. Alongside Stubbs’ masterpieces, visitors can explore thought-provoking pieces from prominent contemporary artists such as Mark Wallinger and Tracey Emin.
Following in Stubbs’ footsteps
Richard Johnson, a well-known landscape artist and a former arts officer for Derbyshire’s High Peak, played a pivotal role in connecting the past with the present. Growing up near Wentworth Woodhouse in the 1970s and 80s, Richard was deeply influenced by Stubbs’ work, particularly the life-sized painting of the racehorse Whistlejacket. This painting, which once graced the walls of Wentworth Woodhouse, inspired Richard’s own journey into the world of art.
Drawing from his intimate knowledge of the estate, Richard identified the exact locations where Stubbs likely stood while painting some of his most famous works. These spots, steeped in history, served as the inspiration for a new generation of artists from ArtWorks South Yorkshire. Under Richard’s guidance, these artists, many of whom face learning challenges, created their own interpretations of the landscapes, incorporating elements of Stubbs’ style and themes.
The legacy of whistlejacket
One of Stubbs’ most famous works, the majestic painting of the racehorse Whistlejacket, has a deep connection to Wentworth Woodhouse. Originally commissioned by the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham, the painting was considered one of the most important artworks of the 18th century. It hung in the mansion until 1971 and is now part of the National Gallery’s permanent collection in London.
The replica of Whistlejacket displayed at Wentworth Woodhouse had a profound impact on Richard Johnson during his childhood. His exposure to this masterpiece, coupled with the guidance of the estate’s head gamekeeper, Harry Gale, set him on the path to becoming a landscape artist. Richard’s passion for Stubbs’ work and his time spent on the estate has remained a significant influence throughout his career.
Reviving history through art
The Where Stubbs Stood community project, spearheaded by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, is a testament to the power of art in connecting people to their heritage. Funded by the National Lottery via Arts Council England, the project provided a unique opportunity for local artists to engage with the rich history of Wentworth Woodhouse.
Richard Johnson led 20 members of ArtWorks South Yorkshire to the very sites where Stubbs likely painted in 1762. Among these locations were Morley Pond and Temple Hill, both of which played crucial roles in Stubbs’ compositions. The artists stood in these historic spots, using the landscape as inspiration to create their own paintings. Some even incorporated horses, dogs, and figures like John Singleton, echoing Stubbs’ original subjects.
Richard shared his insights into the significance of these locations: “Stubbs inadvertently made a record of what Wentworth land looked like at that time – particularly important as it was changed by Government-ordered opencast mining on the estate from 1946.” His knowledge, gained from his time spent exploring the estate with Harry Gale, was instrumental in bringing these historic landscapes to life for a new generation of artists.
ArtWorks South Yorkshire: a celebration of creativity
The artists from ArtWorks South Yorkshire, who participated in the Where Stubbs Stood project, were thrilled to walk in the footsteps of such a legendary figure. Their enthusiasm and dedication resulted in a series of remarkable paintings that are now featured in the “Beneath the Surface” exhibition. These works, created by individuals who often face barriers to accessing traditional art spaces, are a powerful reminder of the inclusive nature of art and its ability to transcend limitations.
One of the participating artists, Luke Thorpe, found inspiration at Temple Hill, the same location where Stubbs likely painted the landscape for the Marquess of Rockingham’s fox hounds. The experience of creating art in such a historically significant place left a lasting impression on the artists, many of whom added personal touches to their work, such as incorporating horses, dogs, and even the figure of jockey John Singleton.
A unique cultural opportunity
Victoria Ryves, Head of Culture and Engagement at the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, expressed her pride in the project: “Funding from the National Lottery via Arts Council England gave us a unique opportunity to connect local people to world-class art which was created here in Rotherham. By following in the footsteps of Stubbs, the ArtWorks artists have unlocked creativity and created masterpieces of their own.”
The “Beneath the Surface: George Stubbs & Contemporary Artists” exhibition is a celebration of art, history, and community. It not only showcases the enduring legacy of George Stubbs but also highlights the importance of providing access to cultural experiences for all. The exhibition runs until November 3rd, offering visitors a chance to explore both the historic and contemporary interpretations of the Wentworth Woodhouse landscape.
Visiting the exhibition
The exhibition is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and is included with a house admission ticket. Visitors can book their tickets online through the Wentworth Woodhouse website. This is an opportunity not to be missed for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in seeing how contemporary artists are continuing the artistic legacy of George Stubbs.
For more information about Wentworth Woodhouse and its ongoing restoration efforts, please visit their website or contact the Preservation Trust directly.
Wentworth Woodhouse is a site of immense historical and cultural significance. Built between 1725 and 1750, it is one of the largest houses in Europe. The Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, which acquired the property in 2017, is dedicated to its restoration and the development of educational and cultural programmes that engage the local community.
Through projects like Where Stubbs Stood, the Trust is committed to reaching out to groups who might otherwise lack access to such opportunities, including those with disabilities, low-income families, and socially disadvantaged communities. The art and cultural experiences offered at Wentworth Woodhouse continue to inspire and engage people of all backgrounds, ensuring that this magnificent estate remains a vibrant part of the community for generations to come.
