Hidden Gem – a new season of exhibitions at the Harley Foundation showcases glittering glass, jewel-like tapestries, and Unseen Treasures.

Hidden Gem – a new season of exhibitions at the Harley Foundation showcases glittering glass, jewel-like tapestries, and Unseen Treasures.
This spring, the Harley Foundation’s gallery and museum will open a new series of exhibitions that are treasure troves of colour, artistry, and history.
The glass exhibition ‘Harvest: Fruit Gathering’ by Neil Wilkin and Rachael Woodman is inspired by natural and spiritual worlds. Visitors will step into a space where towering, improbable installations made from delicate blown glass, sit alongside perfectly glittering pieces that would fit in the palm of your hand. Neil and Rachael are both masters in traditional hot-glass techniques and have been working collaboratively for over 40 years – yet this is their first exhibition together. On show 25 March – 18 June 2023.

Jennie Moncur makes vibrantly coloured tapestry weaving with geometric contemporary compositions, using centuries old techniques. Jennie uses the same ‘Gobelins’ weaving technique that is used in the tapestries from the 17th century in the museum next door, and brings the artform into the 21st century in a technical tour-de-force. Expect flowers, geometric patterns, and a palette that will drench the gallery in colour. ‘Interrupted Views’ is on show 25 March – 18 June 2023.

In the museum, visitors can explore ‘Unseen Treasures of The Portland Collection’ a major new historic art exhibition which is on show from 25th March until 2026. This display reveals works from the world-class art collection that have never been seen before in public and sheds new light on star items from the collection – such as a drawing by Michelangelo and Queen Mary’s stunning ruby coronation ring. A highlight of the exhibition is a picture gallery stacked with Tudor and Jacobean portraits.

Lisa Gee, Director of The Harley Foundation, said:

“These exhibitions will leave you marvelling at making. You’ll see Neil Wilkin’s enormous candy-coloured glass sculptures, reminiscent of a digital animation, you have to remind yourself that this is all done entirely by hand. The energy of these bravura works contrasts with Rachael Woodman’s pieces – which make you want to hold your breath as they are so phenomenally fragile and delicately hued. Jennie Moncur’s tapestries are a physical labour of love and a delight for the senses. They offer a tangible thread through the centuries to the historic textiles on show in Unseen Treasures of the Portland Collection.”

The Harley Foundation is located on the historic Welbeck estate in the beautiful North Nottinghamshire countryside. Visitors can enjoy the free entry exhibitions, book a craft workshop, take a woodland walk and enjoy local artisan foods at the café and farm shop.
‘Harvest: Fruit Gathering’ and ‘Interrupted Views’ are touring exhibitions from Ruthin Craft Centre.
‘Unseen Treasures of The Portland Collection’ is sponsored by Bonhams.

– ‘Harvest: Fruit Gathering’ and ‘Interrupted Views’ are showing 25 March – 18 June 2023. Unseen Treasures of The Portland Collection is showing from 25 March until 2026.
– The exhibitions are free to enter and there is a large, free car park. The Gallery is open Tuesday – Sunday. Please check www.harleygallery.couk for opening times.
– The Harley Foundation is on the Welbeck estate, on the A60 south of Worksop. It is 15 minutes from both the A1 and M1.
– Harvest: Fruit Gathering and Interrupted Views are touring exhibitions from Ruthin Craft Centre.
– ‘Unseen Treasures of The Portland Collection’ is sponsored by Bonhams.

www.harleygallery.co.uk