Mini Art and Literary Festival at Arlington Court

Rosalie Chichester, the last resident of Arlington Court, was an avid explorer, writer, painter and photographer. She donated Arlington Court to the National Trust upon her death in 1949 along with her entire collection of artworks, photographs and writings.

During this year, the 75th anniversary of this remarkable gift, we have been celebrating Rosalie’s remarkable life through exhibitions about her travels, photography and shell collection, and inspiring visitors to create and tell their own stories. This September we are opening the floor to some of the talented artists and authors in North Devon to share their work and inspire others to get creative.

Rosalie’s love for North Devon, and the National Trust aims to provide nature, beauty and history for everyone, forever form the inspiration for a series of creative workshops and exhibitions at Arlington Court between the 16 and 29 of September.

Exhibitions during the festival:

Pilton Arts Group autumn exhibition in the Activity Room
Monday 16-Thursday 19, 10am-4.30pm

Pilton Arts are a group of amateur local artists, who will exhibiting some of their recent work in the activity room as part of our mini art and literary festival. With a range of styles, sizes, and mediums there is a beautiful, varied display to enjoy. Some prints and works will also be for sale.

Workshops during the festival:

Rosalies Collection in the House
Daily, 11am-3pm

In the museum room you can find a selection of photographs and illustrations by Rosalie, including a photograph which was chosen o feature in the ‘100 photographs of the National Trust’ book. Some Rosalies more formal paintings can also be found on the landing and feature flowers, items found within the collection and her pet birds.

Workshops during the festival:

Take a haiku through the equinox: nature writing workshop
Thursday 19, 2-4pm & Saturday 28, 2-4pm

Begin or develop your creative writing and poetry techniques with this haiku workshop; observing & celebrating nature as the seasons change.

Join published North Devon poet and naturalist Michael Hunter of Heart and Wild Poetry at one of these workshops. Spend two hours being introduced to and practicing the Japanese art of haiku poetry, in the beautiful surroundings of Arlington Court.

£10 Per person which includes entry to the grounds and gardens (including the tea-room). Learn more about what you will get up to and book tickets here: Take a haiku through the equinox: Arlington Court nature writing workshop Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

Free drop-in art workshop: Hapa Zome
Friday 20, drop in 11-3

Join us in the Activity room to have a go at Hapa Zome, an ancient Japaneese leaf printing technique that involves laying flowers and leaves between cotton and hammering them to release their natural colours.This workshop is on a drop-in basis and is free. You will get to create a flag to take home, which could then be used as part of a sewing project, as decoration, to make bunting or as gift wrapping.

This workshop is suitable for all ages, although children will need to be accompanied by an adult. Normal Admission applies.

Autumn Equinox Sketchbook Workshop
Saturday 21, 10.30-1pm

Join local illustrator Georgie Stewart for an Autumn Equinox workshop, in which you’ll be making concertina sketchbooks inspired by the transitioning of the seasons.

The day will begin with a deep dive into the seasonal energies, followed by a wild nature walk though Arlington Court’s grounds. On the walk, our senses should be open to the changing of the seasons - what are the things we can see, smell, hear, taste and feel against our skin? We will each collect a few items from the walk that symbolise autumn and spark inspiration for us.

Back inside, using an array of collage, drawing and mark-making techniques we will then create our autumnal inspired concertina sketchbooks to represent our sensory journey through the landscape.

£15 Per person which includes entry to the grounds and gardens (including the tea-room). All materials will be provided. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Booking here: Autumn Equinox Sketchbook Workshop with National Trust Tickets, Sat, Sep 21, 2024 at 10:30 AM | Eventbrite

Water colour workshops with John Piper
Sunday 22, 10.30-1pm or 1.30-4pm

Join local artist John Piper for an introductory session to watercolours. Based in the conservatory you will have chance to sketch and paint the beautiful gardens around you. John is an experienced teacher and welcomes beginners through to experts, with full instruction and all materials / equipment provided.

£25 per person, which includes entry to the grounds and gardens (including the tea-room). Please book here, by choosing your times and adding it to the basket: Arlington Court Art and Literary Festival (johnpiperwatercolours.com)

Photograpy walk with Mark Johnson
Friday 27, 2-4pm

Bring your camera or phone and take part in a fun walk around the grounds of Arlington, taking pictures with local photographer Mark Johnson. Mark will be providing tips and sharing some of his tricks along the way. The walk will last for approximately 1.5-2hrs.

This event costs £2.50 per person and includes entry to the grounds, gardens and tea-room from 1pm, please book a space to reserve your spot here.