‘These are party houses aren't they?’ Why Britain's stately homes are opening up to contemporary art
Showing works by artists including Tracey Emin and Phyllida Barlow over the summer is helping to attract new audiences and bolster income for historic buildings
The grand Claydon stately home, nestled near Stowe and Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire, has become a canvas for contemporary art this summer. Installed across its opulent façade until 14 September is Tracey Emin's brightly neon lettering, "I Loved You Until the Morning". The National Trust-owned property, designed to impress with its state rooms and pristine gardens, has welcomed an eclectic group of 24 artists including Gabriel Orozco and Tunji Adeniyi-Jones.
White Cube, a contemporary art gallery in partnership with the National Trust, has curated a diverse exhibition of 47 works. Artists have not merely used Claydon as a backdrop; they have interacted with the house's physical fabric and history. Ceramic artist Danh Võ placed a 17th-century French wood putto in a luxury suitcase, while Jeff Wall's photograph of a woman in a library plays off a dreamt-up library by Florence Nightingale's sister.
The White Cube artists' enthusiasm stems from the unique opportunity to exhibit in such a historic setting, which offers both theatrical backdrop and an invitation to explore the house's rich past. The National Trust general manager, Tanya Brittain, acknowledges the challenges facing stately homes, including a £2bn repair backlog. Yet, Brittain believes that art can breathe new life into these properties, as demonstrated by Claydon's partnership with White Cube.
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