A new art exhibition is coming to Beningbrough Hall this month, the first of its kind in a UK venue.
The Botanical World of Mary Delany opens on Tuesday 10th September, celebrating the exceptional creativity and scientific accuracy of the eighteenth-century artist.
Layered throughout the Reddihough Galleries on the first floor, there will be historic and contemporary artworks honouring creative women. This includes an especially commissioned sculpture by Rebecca Stevenson.
The Botanical World of Mary Delany is part of the British Museum Unseen touring exhibition series.
These displays explore a variety of themes across the British Museum’s collection, composed primarily of digital photography, focusing on the lesser known stories from within the museum.
The photographic displays offer visitors a chance to explore Delany’s ‘paper mosaics’, created by delicately painting, cutting, and layering paper.
Starting at the age of 72, Delany created more than 900 of these extraordinary artworks over the next decade. She stopped when her deteriorating eyesight made it impossible to continue.
They have previously remained largely unseen due to their fragile nature and existence within bound books, cared for by the British Museum.
For the first time, visitors can view a more extensive selection of her collages and will be able to look closely at the details of her ‘mosaics’. The exhibition will showcase over 30 of these artworks through high-quality photographs.
Laura Turner, Creative Producer said “We are delighted to collaborate with the British Museum in bringing the remarkable work of Mary Delany to new audiences at Beningbrough Hall.
“Her intricate botanical creations, celebrated for their artistic beauty and scientific accuracy, continue to inspire and captivate people today.”
Adding a more contemporary element to the experience, the Great Hall will house brand-new sculptures by acclaimed artist Rebecca Stevenson.
Commissioned for the showcase, her ‘Mary, Maria, Marianne’ responds to three women artists who are part of the exhibition.
Each of the sculptures complement Delany’s legacy and encompass art, science and creativity.
A further highlight of the exhibition is a curated display featuring a selection of intriguing objects from the National Trust’s collections, created by historic women artists.
These items showcase innovative art and craft techniques, and are soon to be included in an upcoming National Trust publication by Senior Curator Rachel Conway.
Visitors can ‘lose themselves in the interactive origami room’, a sensory adventure designed by York-based artist Kate Buckley. This space invites visitors of all ages to engage with art in new and playful ways.
Finally, a collection of abstract photography collages by York St John Fine Art student Amy Martina will round off this exciting exhibition, responding to Delany’s work through colourful abstract collages.
Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the British Museum, said: “A pioneer of botanical drawings, Mary Delany is one of the most innovative artists of the 18th century.
“Due to the extreme fragility of her works, only two examples are on display at the British Museum and only a small selection can be studied by appointment.
“We are thrilled to partner with Beningbrough Hall, giving new audiences the opportunity to enjoy over 30 of her incredible works of art.”
The exhibition will be hosted in The Reddihough Galleries on the first floor, named after the late Mr Ian Reddihough who left a lasting gift to support the future care of Beningbrough Hall.
The day promises to be an exciting celebration of the creativity of Mary Delany, whilst honouring contemporary work of female artists today.
For more information on the exhibition, click here.