Picture-perfect gardens open once again for Hopton Hall’s Month of Art
It is the fourth year for the Month of Art, with a celebration of local artists firmly at its centre
Hopton Hall will once again be inviting visitors and artists to July’s Month of Art and Walled Garden – home to the quirky Crinkle Crankle Wall, 11-metre-high Summer House and an impressive 2,000 rose bushes framed by 5,000 clipped box plants.
It is the fourth year for the Month of Art, with a celebration of local artists firmly at its centre. From Thursday to Sunday for the period 2nd to the 26th of July, 2D and 3D artists are offered free access to the Estate’s extensive gardens to take inspiration and create artwork to submit into the Month of Art competition. Garden visitors have the opportunity to vote for their favourite artworks during the final weekend of July. The first-place winner is awarded a cash prize of £1,000, with second place and third place awarded vouchers worth £250 and £100 respectively from Turners Art Supplies.
The celebration offers the perfect backdrop for summer visitors to the Estate’s Walled Rose Garden to watch artists at work, purchase artwork and take part in workshops. Complimentary custom-built wooden gazebos can be pre-booked by artists and art groups as a base from which to create art, sell art and run demonstrations and workshops. Peak District Artisans, Nottingham Society of Artists and Hinckley Art Group are amongst the local and regional art groups who have already signed up to participate, and workshops have already been confirmed on Drypoint, Botanical art, oil painting and Powertex.
For the first time, visitors have the option of booking their tickets in advance online and, for those who wish to attend more than once, a monthly pass.
Amongst this year’s additions are The Stables at Hopton Hall - a newly renovated creative space, and more storyboards so that visitors can learn more about the incredible history of the Estate – including its Roman Vase, brought back to Hopton by archaeologist, traveller and one-time resident of the Hall, Sir William Gell FRS in the early 1800s, its Ridge and Furrow archaeological pattern, a very rare Queen Victoria Pillar Box and Ha-Ha landscape design.
Owner and custodian of Hopton Hall Chris Harvey said: “Over time, so many smaller, local producers get priced out of artisan events. Artists work really hard but often earn very little and I think it’s important that they have the Month of Art platform, as well as our new Hopton Hall Gallery in Ashbourne, to show off their talent. We always look forward to the event as it brings such terrific energy to the estate.
"Our goal is to expand it year on year. I'm delighted that our 32 custom-made gazebos are already fully booked for the final weekend but there's still time for artists to book for earlier weekends. The Stables at Hopton Hall - our newly renovated creative space - will also be open for the first time and will feature an exhibition of our Month of Art winner 2025, Lesley Linley. We’re so looking forward to seeing the estate buzzing with artists and garden visitors come July."