Welbeck's Harley Gallery plans famous contemporary art collection's first ever residency post-lockdown

Art lovers will have another reason to hope lockdown restrictions are lifted soon, as a selection of pieces from one of the country’s most famed private collections are due to go on display at the Welbeck estate this spring.
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Works from the celebrated Jerwood Collection will be making their way to the Harley Gallery for a series of exclusive exhibitions scheduled to open on March 27.

Jerwood director Lara Wardle said: “More than ever before in many people’s lifetimes, we are living in a challenging and changing world.

“Art can give us a chance to escape from the everyday and I hope that the the collection will bring enjoyment to visitors to the gallery during 2021 and early 2022.”

From my Window at Ditchling, by early 20th Century Welsh artist Frank Brangwyn , will be among the works coming to the Harley Gallery this year.From my Window at Ditchling, by early 20th Century Welsh artist Frank Brangwyn , will be among the works coming to the Harley Gallery this year.
From my Window at Ditchling, by early 20th Century Welsh artist Frank Brangwyn , will be among the works coming to the Harley Gallery this year.

The Jerwood Collection was established in 1993 to ensure public access to privately-owned artworks.

Today, it holds just under 300 works which are regularly loaned to national and international institutions and digital platforms.

But the Harley showcase will be the collection’s first ever residency, expected to run for a year.

It will consist of four exhibitions led by different curators and will feature works by renowned 20th century British artists such as LS Lowry, Barbara Hepworth, Walter Sickert, and Stanley Spencer.

There will also be works by leading contemporary artists like Rose Wylie and Maggi Hambling.

Gallery director Lisa Gee said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Jerwood, a nationally recognised leader in the art world, to bring this significant collection to north Nottinghamshire.”

She added: “We already show historic art from another private collection the Portland Collection, which includes works by Michelangelo and Sir Anthony Van Dyck.

“To counterpoint this aristocratic collection of art dating back to the 16th century with not one, but four exhibitions, from this very special private collection will be a great pleasure.”

Once the gallery has been granted permission to reopen, it will also be exhibiting Same Sea, Different Boat, a textile quilt assembled by members of the local community in lockdown.

The project is still accepting submissions. For details on how to get involved, see https://bit.ly/2LkRWLD.

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