Top artist Ashley Jackson puts Temple Newsam’s stunning landscapes in the frame

World-renowned artist Ashley Jackson will get some inspiration from the beautiful grounds of Temple Newsam during a special watercolour painting demonstration.

Visitors can join the famous painter in the Picture Gallery at the historic Leeds house on August 4 at 11am , when he will give a demonstration while talking about his love of the Yorkshire countryside.

The demonstration will be one of the highlights of Temple Newsam’s current ‘Visioning the Landscape – Temple Newsam 1622-1922’ exhibition, which celebrates three centuries of the estate’s landscapes as well as the 300th anniversary of the birth of renowned landscape designer Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

Speaking ahead of the event, Ashley said: “It is an absolute pleasure to return to Temple Newsam and stand in the Great Picture Gallery, following in the footsteps of Capability Brown and JMW Turner and their vision of the landscape.

“As a landscape artist I have very different vision of the landscape; for I capture what I see now for future generations whereas Capability Brown had the vision to see how his gardens would be in the future. It is a talent to plant a landscape already knowing how it will look for the next generation, that is the skill of a true visionary.”

He added: “For over fifty years I have captured the Yorkshire landscape at a singular moment in time through all seasons. I hope people will join me at Temple Newsam on the August 4 for my vision of the landscape; to hear what inspires me to paint, my passion for the Yorkshire landscape and see how it is possible to paint a watercolour using only one colour.”

As well as Ashley’s demonstration, Visioning the Landscape, which runs until October 30, has also seen benches placed throughout the mansion’s 43 rooms, which give visitors a chance to enjoy views of the estate.

The exhibition itself features fine art, ceramics, textiles, a 3D model of Capability Brown’s proposed alterations to Temple Newsam, a series of rooftop tours and a 300th birthday ‘Afternoon Capabili –tea’ served in the Great Hall of the House on August 30, which costs £12.50 per person and must be booked in advance.

Temple Newsam has seen a number of specialist designers work on different visions for the estate over three centuries, and ‘Capability’ Brown himself made a plan for ‘intended alterations’ at Temple Newsam in 1762.

While some of his projects were finished, his full plan for Temple Newsam was never completed because of the death of Charles, the 9th Viscount in 1778.

Some work did continue, and the walled gardens, the rhododendron walks and shrubberies Brown designed can still be seen today.

Councillor Brian Selby, Leeds City Council’s lead member for museums and galleries, said: “The spectacular grounds at Temple Newsam would be an inspiration to any artist and it’s a privilege to welcome Ashley Jackson to the house for what I’m sure will be a fascinating demonstration.

“The house and estate are one of the city’s cultural and historical gems and this exhibition is a fitting tribute to the timeless beauty of a place that is so loved by the people of Leeds.”

Attending Ashley’s workshop, which takes place on Aug 4 at 11am is free but usual admission applies and places are limited so booking is recommended.

For booking details, please visit: www.leeds.gov.uk/templenewsam

For more details about Visioning the Landscape please visit: www.leeds.gov.uk/landscape

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 224 3937

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk