Intentions - Tatton Park

Tatton Park, an early 19th century, neo classical mansion in Cheshire and the former home of The Egerton family, is now a National Trust property. The house holds an array of fine art and collectables mainly acquired by Maurice, the last Baron Egerton, who travelled the world extensively in the early 20th Century. British Aristocracy have for many years collected pieces and displayed objects in their homes, a reference to their status and luxurious living. Along with the usual collection of furniture, ceramics and textiles, there is a large selection of hunting trophies which are displayed on the walls. 

The late Baron was a keen hunter and many of his kills are displayed on the walls

                                  A sample of the many ceramics on display at the house

                                                    A collection on display

Here a collection of original copper pots are on display in the kitchen. The contents on display give an insight as to the workings of this early kitchen and how the servants of this great house interacted and looked after the family and their guests.

Not only are there collections and archives in the house but the garden and outside areas also are a collection of objects, artefacts and clues to how estates and people lived over a hundred years ago. There are many outside areas including a walled garden, the formal gardens and the deer park area.  

The Italian gardens are a spectacular formal layout at the front of the property 

The topiary gardens, a living sculpture gallery, originating from China, Japan and Roman times. 

                                         Japanese garden with Shinto Shrine

The kitchen walled garden, a productive and important part of any large house for supplying vegetables, herbs and flowers. The garden has recently been restored and today the estate has returned to growing original varieties of fruit and vegetables providing the facility for conservation and use of traditional skills. The produce can be viewed in the garden and purchased at the garden shop and Tatton Park is proud to still use the 'field to fork' concept in their kitchens, restaurants and cafes today. 

The formal house and gardens provide a living insight into archives and collections, as we can see how people and societies have lived in the past. 

Of the many objects on display in the house inspiration can be taken from the intricate shapes and patterns that adorn the many ceramics and textiles. I can see a creative source of inspiration will be taken from the designs on the many vases and collections of plates and this will feature within my drawings.