Artspace Lifespace pulled out all of the stops to hold a successful celebration at the mansion on 28th September.
We were graced with the Smyth family - back from the dead, no less = to help the public tour their ancestral home and bring its history to life. (My children spent a happy hour knowingly looking for Dame Esme Smyth's dead dogs...). There were tours of the derelict upstairs for the first time in thirty years, swing dancing in the music room and a display of ideas from local schools, depicting what the mansion could become. My solo exhibition was on display in the paneled lounge, with artwork exploring some of the heritage details of the site. Add to this the information panels in the Great Hall, an hour of performance from the wonderful Opera Sulis and the all-day entertainment, offered by the incredible Show of Strength Theatre Company, it was quite the celebration!
Here are a few highlights from the event