If there is such a thing as a perfect day out that encompasses historical beauty, art and picturesque countryside, then Waddesdon Manor is the place to be. This wonderful palace, located in Buckinghamshire, has a lot to offer every guest, regardless of their age. There is always something interesting to see here, be it a beautiful art show or a peaceful garden on this National Trust property. Allow me to explore the great attractions and entertaining activities that you should expect at Waddesdon Manor this season.
A Brief History
Before I go any further into what is on, it is perhaps pertinent to consider Waddesdon Manor a little more closely, for the building itself has a fascinating history. Commissioned by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild between 1874 and 1885, this château is in the Renaissance style and was designed for the purpose of housing the baron’s impressive art collection and to host the elite of Victorian society. The manor has been open to the public since 1959, and it is under the administration of the Rothschild Foundation on behalf of the National Trust, which bought it in 1957.
Today, Waddesdon Manor still impresses people with its impressive Rothschild collections of paintings, sculptures, and decorative art. However, it is not only history; the estate represents a rich and constantly developing programme of exhibitions and events that combine the best examples of traditional and modern art.
Guercino at Waddesdon: King David and the Wise Women
This unprecedented exhibition is scheduled from March 20 to October 27 and should not be missed by lovers of art and history. It is the first time ever in over 350 years that five paintings of the famous Bolognese painter Guercino, active in the second half of the 16th and first half of the 17th centuries, are exhibited together with the collection at Waddesdon Manor.
The central piece of this art exhibition is appropriately Waddesdon’s ‘King David’, which is accompanied by two paintings of sibyls with those in the National Gallery and the Royal Collection. All were painted in the same year, 1651, and this is the first time they’ve been reunited since leaving Guercino’s studio.
The original name of the artist was Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, and he was born in Cento, Italy. Guercino was one of the finest master draughtsmen of his time. In his lifetime, he painted hundreds of altarpieces and paintings and is considered one of the most sought-after Italian Baroque painters. He was entrusted by popes, other foreign courts, cardinals, and dukes—all of which speaks to his greatness as an artist.
The viewers of the exhibition will be able to study the splendid mastery with which Guercino approached the creation of the works. Stare at the different kinds of texture depicted in the painting, namely, silk, flesh, ermine, paper, wood, and stone, and at the same time reflect on the higher meanings of inspiration, pondering, vision, prophecy, and poetry.
But that is not all; there is also a recently recovered Guercino’s depiction of Moses, which the public has never been exposed to. This important contribution to the artist’s oeuvre sheds light on a hitherto neglected phase of Guercino’s early development, which many consider his most fruitful years due to their liveliness, passion, and extroverted expressiveness.
Flights of Fancy: Birds at Waddesdon
From May 22 to October 27, Waddesdon Manor transforms into a veritable avian paradise with “Flights of Fancy: Birds at Waddesdon”. This is an appreciation of birds, including different bird-related shows, activities, and demonstrations all over the manor, aviary, and gardens.
At the heart of this exhibition is a showcase of the life and work of Louis-Denis Armand (1723-1796), a recently rediscovered painter from the world-famous Sèvres porcelain manufactory. Armand is widely acknowledged as the most talented bird painter at Sèvres, known for his ‘flights of fancy’ – birds drawn from his wild imagination that gradually evolved to gain ornithological accuracy.
Visitors can admire Waddesdon’s impressive collection of Sèvres porcelain painted by Armand, including ten vases from the 1750s-60s and important pieces from the Razumovsky dessert service. These are displayed alongside nearly 50 loans from private collections and the Musée national de céramique at Sèvres, offering a comprehensive look at Armand’s artistic evolution.
The exhibition extends beyond the Manor walls to include the magnificent rococo Aviary. Built in 1889 for Baron Ferdinand, this ornate structure is home to rare and colourful exotic birds and plays a crucial role in conservation programmes for several endangered species. It’s a living, breathing part of the exhibition that perfectly complements the porcelain birds on display inside.
Contemporary Sculpture Tour
For those interested in more modern artistic expressions, Waddesdon Manor offers a Contemporary Sculpture Tour every Friday and Sunday from 22 May to 27 October (subject to availability). This 60-minute guided walk through the Water Garden provides a unique opportunity to explore Waddesdon’s important collection of contemporary art.
A highlight of the tour is Joana Vasconcelos’ extraordinary ‘Wedding Cake’. This pink, 12-metre-high ceramic sculptural pavilion commissined by the Rothschild Foundation and it is one more whimsical addition to the tradition of putting abstract buildings in the gardens and landscapes of the estate. Located in an area of trees next to the 19th-century dairy, an ornamental structure, it presents a synergy of modern art and structures.
The Wedding Cake is a celebration of love, festivity, and joy, inspired by the exuberant Baroque buildings and decorative ceramic traditions of Lisbon, where Vasconcelos lives and works. Thousands of gleaming, icing-like ceramic tiles in pale pinks, greens, and blues cover the cake, all made in a traditional Portuguese manufactory. The surfaces are further adorned with sculptural ornaments, some of which spout water, adding a delightful kinetic element to the piece.
As you explore the Water Garden, you’ll encounter other contemporary works by artists such as Angus Fairhurst, Elisabeth Frink, George Cutts, and the CoExistence Project. Don’t miss ‘Lafite’, another Vasconcelos creation – a magnificent pair of giant candlesticks made out of wine bottles.
The Water Garden itself is a romantic setting, with its artificial rockwork and lush seasonal planting set around pools and water features. It provides a perfect backdrop for these modern sculptures, creating a dialogue between art, nature, and history.
Sunday Roast: A Culinary Delight
If you are interested in what there is to see and do on the manor and its surrounding area for a day, then why not relax and enjoy a good Sunday lunch? Waddesdon Manor provides a splendid Sunday lunch from March 24 to October 20, prepared by the in-house chefs with locally sourced produce.
Served at 12 p.m., friendly, it’s the best way to bring a weekend to an end. You can opt for a traditional roast with all the sides, or perhaps opt for something more special from their set special menu. Being able to dine at Waddesdon Manor brings an added bonus to the food being well cooked and presented, also enjoying this splendid place.
Plan Your Visit
There is so much to see and do that Waddesdon Manor has something for everyone: families, lovers of art, history and nature lovers, to mention but a few. Whether you are interested in admiring Guercino’s works, impressed by the ‘Flights of Fancy’ with bird motifs, amazed by modern sculptures, or just desire to taste a tasty Sunday lunch in the beautiful surroundings, Waddesdon has it all.
It is recommended that you visit the official Waddesdon Manor website to get current information on the opening hours, the cost of tickets, and any restrictions or precautions that may apply in relation to the events or shows. Some of the activities may be booked in advance, hence the need to make arrangements in advance.
This is a good time to visit Waddesdon Manor and be filled with wonder this season. As a union of history, art, nature, and gastronomy, it will indeed be a memorable stay. So why wait? Book your visit to Waddesdon Manor today and get ready to step into a place that is nothing short of a wonder.
