1. Summer Artisan Market: Meet The Artisans

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    Twice a year, we welcome wonderfully talented traders from the surrounding area to display and sell their exquisite creations at our artisan markets. The first of 2018 will take place between the 27th – 29th of July, including a VIP evening on Thursday 26th, with stalls lining our driveway and scattered across the wild flower meadow.

    In anticipation of the event, we asked some of our invited artisans for an introduction to their craft and what they’re looking forward to the most about showcasing their work at Haddon Hall later this month. Get a taste of what to expect at our Summer Artisan Market from their answers below.

     

    Firetree

    What do you make and sell? 

    Firetree brings nature to jewellery. Working with fine silver, sterling silver and copper to create pendants, earrings and bracelets.

    What sparked your passion for creating?

    I joined a workshop, made a leaf, and was hooked! I love the idea that my customers will enjoy their Firetree jewellery for years to come.

    What in particular do you like about exhibiting at Haddon Hall?

    Haddon Hall has always been my favourite hall to visit. Firetree is based in Derbyshire so Haddon is the perfect place to showcase my designs and meet so many talented makers at the artisan markets.

    Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/thefiretree

    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/firetreederbyshire

    Instagram: thefiretree9216

    Phone: 07903 157 095

    Email: thefiretree@outlook.com

     

    Betty Redbutton

    What do you make and sell? 

    During spring and summer, Betty makes useful yet quirky gifts for all the family, pooches and the household using pretty print fabrics, embroidery and crochet. During autumn and winter, my products change to hand-knitted hats, scarves, gloves and mittens using my own designs and ideas, using rich colours and taking inspiration from the Derbyshire countryside.

    What sparked your passion for creating?

    My grandma, Betty, taught me to knit and sew as a child, which has continued until present day.

    What are you most looking forward to about exhibiting at the Haddon Hall artisan market this year? 

    Earlier this year I created 3 knitting kits using a native sheep, the Blue-faced Leicester. The light weight yarn has been hand-dyed in Derbyshire with the colours being exclusive to Betty Redbutton. I am looking forward to showcasing these kits within Derbyshire at Haddon Hall to see the response they receive.     

    Website: http://www.bettyredbutton.co.uk

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettyredbutton

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettyredbutton

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/bettyredbutton

    Phone: 07719 086 075

    Email: bettyredbutton@hotmail.com

     

    Homeward

    What do you make and sell? 

    Homeward is an interior and homeware store, exhibiting in the Gardener’s Cottage at the market. At the heart of Homeward is a celebration of craftsmanship, originality and good things well made. Everything we sell is hand made and has a story to tell.

    An ever changing collection of restored and reupholstered antique and vintage chairs. Hand painted one off pieces of vintage furniture using traditional decorative paint effects and gilding. We’ve designed and have made locally in small batches mid century inspired oak stools with upholstered pads using a selection of wonderful, colourful and patterned screen printed fabrics from our favourite British fabric designer/makers such as Thorody and St Judes Fabric.

    We produce one off cushions using gorgeous vintage textiles . Hand thrown rustic tableware from France. Small batch and one off hand thrown stoneware studio pottery inspired by Scandinavian and German ceramics of the 1960s and 1970s from JG Pottery in South London and lots of interesting one off vintage items for the home.

    What sparked your passion for creating?

    I spent 2 decades in London as a specialist paint finishers and gilder in residential interiors. I painted and gilded walls, ceilings, architectural details and furniture. In that job it was all about attention to detail and homing in say on a particular colour or texture from a fabric sample to then go on to create an entirely personal paint finish and colour scheme for my clients home.

    What in particular do you like about exhibiting at Haddon Hall?

    The house and its setting is just beautiful! The house has the most glorious and interesting details from the faded remains of historical faux wood graining in the long gallery to the amazing medieval wood carvings throughout. The Tudor kitchens are pretty amazing too!

    Website: https://homewardhome.co.uk

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Homewardhome

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeward_home

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/homewardhome

    Phone: 07958 564 761

    Email: nicky@homewardhome.co.uk

     

    Hickbrew

    What do you make and sell? 

    Hickbrew make and sell a range of traditionally brewed real ales in bottles, all themed around the Peak District National Park.

    What sparked your passion for creating?

    I have always loved beers and ales and the traditionalism of the pub. I have brewed on a personal level for nearly twenty years and after ‘retiring’ in 2015, started the Hickbrew Micro Brewery to keep me occupied and to make something that I love.

    What in particular do you like about exhibiting at Haddon Hall?

    Haddon Hall still retains its original form as few changes have been made over the years and this gives it charm and character where you can almost feel the history oozing out of the walls.  Exhibiting here is just a pleasure.

    Website: https://www.hickbrew.co.uk

    Contact Form: https://www.hickbrew.co.uk/index.php?route=information/contact

    Email: cheers@hickbrew.co.uk

     

    Squiggly Sue Designs

    What do you make and sell? 

    I’m the Sue of Squiggly Sue Designs.  I design quirky, colourful paintings and personalised collages.  I love bright, vibrant colours and love using them in my artwork.  Most of my paintings are some sort of mixed media and can be quite abstract.  I particularly like painting trees as I find the play of light and the shadows it creates fascinating.  I am self-taught so I kind of make it up as I go! Some of my designs are scanned and printed as limited edition prints, greetings cards and I’m still working on a series of handmade luxury cushions and homeware.

    What sparked your passion for creating?

    I’ve always enjoyed creating things to make people smile. I made personalised collages (family trees and name frames) as presents for family and friends who encourage me to start selling them.  I was nervous about putting myself ‘out there’ but started the business in 2014 and my confidence and range of work has grown massively since then. It’s a surreal feeling knowing people have bought your work with their hard earned cash and have it hanging on their walls to look at every day.

    What in particular do you like about exhibiting at Haddon Hall?

    I love Haddon Hall.  Both the Tudor house and gardens are simply stunning.  I remember visiting on a school trip as a small child. I feel very privileged to exhibit there and can image in Tudor times perhaps market traders of the time could have been trading their wares in a similar fashion.

    The events are always so well organised and all the staff are friendly and helpful.  The artisans are well chosen with top quality handmade products. The people that come to visit know to expect this level of quality at the event and that is only good news for us artisans.

    Website: http://www.squigglysuedesigns.co.uk/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squigglysue.co.uk

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squigglysue

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/squigglysue

    Phone: 07933 017 512

    Email: sue@squigglysuedesigns.co.uk

     

    Birdsong

    What do you make and sell? 

    I can deal with any kind of interior designing decorations only using best quality materials, making displays for houses, weddings, hotels etc. Some of my makings could possibly include: decoration of seasonal wreaths and lanterns, artificial flower displays, tailored made Liberty scarfs, bundings and hankies, decorated cinnamon bundles, wedding favors etc. 

    What sparked your passion for creating?

    I always had a passion in styling, more than just putting things together. Working in the past as chief decorator, with chain companies, making their window displays, I used to present them as an image of story or an event. It is really rewarding to combine and match different things, however big or small, transforming a place where you can relax and have fun.

    What in particular do you like about exhibiting at Haddon Hall?

    Haddon Hall gives me the the great feeling of being part of an exquisite window presentation. It is a magnificent, very romantic place where even the humblest thing seems glorious.  Being part of the artisan markets I feel extremely privileged and honored within the walls of a historic place and among really talented artisans. But above all Haddon Hall is about its people. From Lord and Lady Edward, the excellent hosts, to the people who are behind the scenes and work hard to deliver those events in the best possible way. Their remarkable dedication and effort makes us all feel welcomed and looked after.

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BirdsongInBakewell

    Phone:01629 813 721

    Email: birdsong.bakewell@gmail.com

     

    Meet these artisans and many more in person between 27th – 29th July, or get advanced access to their stalls at our VIP evening on Thursday 26th.

    Entry to the main event is included in your ticket to the Hall, or costs £5 for those just wishing to visit the market. Tickets for the VIP evening can be bought online here, with proceeds going to the Weston Park Cancer Charity.

  2. de Mowbray’s Musicke: Bringing Tudor History To Life

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    Visiting Haddon may feel like stepping back in time whenever you come, but the historical atmosphere of the Hall will be enhanced this bank holiday by unique performances from de Mowbray’s Musicke.

    The group pride themselves on the historical accuracy of the music, instruments and costumes presented in their performances, aiming to authentically represent musicians who would have played in a rural Tudor (or Medieval) court.

    We caught up with the group before their recitals on Monday 28th May to find out more about the inspiration behind their style, what we can expect and what they’re looking forward to the most about performing at Haddon Hall:

     

    Haddon Hall: Who are de Mowbray’s Musicke? 

    de Mowbray’s Musicke: We are a costumed band who play music, sing songs and showcase dances from the Tudor period, as well as from the earlier 15th century when required. We play a wide range of instruments from the period, which have been faithfully made according to records of the time. We’ve been playing together since 2011, although there have been some changes in personnel in that time.

     

    HH: What do you think are the main differences between the historical instruments you use and more modern ones? 

    dMM: The main differences between our instruments and modern ones are in the tuning of the instruments and their reliability. Modern instruments are more complex – for example, having keys to get chromatic notes – and often play across a wider range of notes. Our crumhorns, for instance, only play across 9 notes.

    Because there was no electric amplification at the time, instruments needed to be loud! Across the Tudor period we see shawms becoming confined to outdoor music, along with bagpipes and crumhorns remaining in fashion, but going out of favour by 1600. We also saw the ‘broken consort’ of instruments becoming the favoured means of playing indoor music rather than the family of instruments of the same type, but in different pitches – eg recorders, shawms.

    Instruments were made of the materials available at the time, and this mostly meant wood, leather, gut and metal. There was no plastic!

     

    HH: What was the significance of music in Tudor times? 

    dMM: Music was a very important element of Tudor life at court and in other fine houses. It was also a feature of life outside the manor’s walls.

    Young men and women at court were taught to play music, sing and dance – at this period we were known as ’the dancing English’! Without music, there could be no dancing or singing. Travelling musicians worked at court, often also teaching dances.

    We tend to think that music forms a backdrop to modern life, but it would also have been a regular feature of 16th-century life, marking such daily occurrences as the evening curfew.

     

    HH: How do you make the music you play as authentic as possible? 

    dMM: We work hard to ensure that the instruments we play are representative of the period we represent. We play instruments which have been faithfully made according to records – pictures, books, carvings – of the time. Many of our instruments are made in England.

    The way we play them is also close to the sound that would have been heard at the time, in the harmonies and combinations of instruments. Our costumes and singing similarly reflect the accuracy of our instruments, music and dances.

     

    HH: You also perform and teach period dances. What can your audience expect from these demonstrations?

    dMM: We showcase dances which were danced at English manors and halls in the 16th century. The dances may also have been danced away from these centres, but our records are from the higher echelons of society.

    We work hard to be historically well-informed in our dances, using techniques of the period – but not of later times. There are 3 main types of dance: the stately pavans and almains, combined with the energetic couple dances such as galliards; the French branles; and the newly arriving English country dances. We can show all 3 types. We will be showing a galliard and a pavan in our show at Haddon Hall.

    One of our specialities is providing the music and teaching at an event for a group of people, such as you might get at a folk dance. We can also provide all the entertainment for Revels and Banquets.

     

    HH: What about performing at Haddon Hall are you particularly looking forward to? 

    dMM: We like playing at venues which would have had music, song and dance in the 16th century. We also like playing in houses which are more than empty shells. Haddon Hall is a fine house with many important features of the period we represent. We’re very excited about playing in such a prestigious venue. It is especially significant since we are based in the Midlands and the North.

    We enjoy talking to people about what we do, our instruments – how they are made and how they work – and other features of life in 16th century England. We expect to do this at Haddon Hall since we will be on show from 11am to 3.30pm, outside the times of our concerts at noon and 2pm.

     

    Performances from de Mowbray’s Musicke will take place at 12pm and 2pm on Monday 28th May and are included in your ticket price, alongside free archery and guided tours of the Hall throughout the day.

    Book advance tickets online, or buy on the gate if you prefer. View our full 2018 music schedule here.

     

    Photos courtesy of de Mowbray’s Musicke.

  3. Haddon Highlights 2017

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    With our Christmas celebrations over, we bid farewell to another year and welcome 2018, but we couldn’t quite say goodbye without looking back on the many highlights of 2017.

    From our Wedding Fair in April to the festive season, which brought our favourite carols to life, join us in remembering some of our most special events of the year.

    Wedding Fair

    A day that dreams were made of. Our wedding fair took place on April 2nd 2017, with our Elizabethan Long Gallery and Tudor Parlour set up as they would be for a big day.

    Singers and performers serenaded guests as they explored stalls from our favourite wedding merchants, showcasing exquisite floral arrangements, beautiful cakes and bespoke dresses.

    Wedding Brochure

    Jane Eyre

    Between April and June, guests were invited to step inside the world of Jane Eyre in our exclusive promenade performances.

    Audience members followed the cast around Haddon (Thornfield Hall) as they performed a wonderful script by local writer, Gillian Shimwell.

    “A magical experience. An innovative way to tell the story, with wonderful acting, an atmospheric and beautiful house and moving from room to room with the actors as the story unfolds.”

    Read our blog about why Haddon makes the perfect Thornfield Hall.

     

    Artisan Markets

    Our Artisan Markets were more popular than ever this year, with the Winter event being the biggest yet.

    Local traders and craftspeople lined the Halls in July and November, selling a vast variety of artisan goods, from food to jewellery, clothing to decorations.

     

    Hadd’o’ween

    This year’s Halloween event was a little different. Visitors will sought out marks made to warn off evil spirits in the 900 year old Hall, led by one of our experienced guides.

    Evening tours focused on the apotropaic marks to be found around the Hall, said to have powers to avert evil influences or bad luck, also known as ‘Witches’ marks, with frightening family fun in the day time.

    Christmas

    We certainly had a busy festive season this year, with our Winter Artisan Market, Candlelight Tours and decorations themed around the best Christmas carols around.

    We were thrilled to hear that we were able to contribute so much joy to visitors’ festive celebrations, and hope that each and every one of you had a lovely Christmas.

    We’d like to wish everyone a very happy New Year and would love to hear about your favourite moments from 2017.

    We look forward to welcoming you back to Haddon Hall in 2018.

  4. The Ultimate Guide To Christmas On The Haddon Estate

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    Christmas at Haddon Hall is always a truly memorable occasion, and we’re certain that 2017 will be no exception. To make planning your trip that little bit easier, we’ve put together a handy guide to all things festive on the Haddon Estate…

    Winter Artisan Market

    17th November 2017 – 19th November 2017

    The perfect opportunity to make a magical start to your Christmas shopping, our Winter Artisan Market will last for three days between Friday 17th November – Sunday 19th November.

    Over 100 local artisans will be showcasing their unique creations throughout our historic rooms, making it our biggest market to date. You’ll find a list of stallholders, along with further information, at http://ow.ly/DQ4d30gt0oy.

    The admission fee will be £5 to cover entry to the Hall (usually £14.50) and parking will operate on a one-in-one-out basis, so we recommend that visitors use public transport wherever possible.

     

    The Origins of Christmas with Dr Patrick Harding

    3rd December 2017

    “From puddings to pantomime, carols to cards, trees to turkeys – everything you need to know about Christmas.”

    Join broadcaster, author and teacher Dr Patrick Harding for mince pies, mulled wine and a fascinating talk about the origins of Christmas. The evening will begin with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie at 5.30pm by the Banqueting Hall fire, with the talk commencing at 6pm.

    Find out more about Patrick Harding on his website, or book tickets for the event online at http://ow.ly/ZZRv30gt0la.

     

    Candlelight Tours

    4th December 2017 – 18th December 2017 (Selected Dates Only)

    Our Candlelight Tours are one of the most popular events of the year at Haddon Hall, and for good reason.

    Be guided by nothing but the flickering flames of candles and fires as you explore Haddon at its most enchanting – dressed in all of its splendour for the festive season during the beautiful twilight hours.

    Some tours have sold out already, but you can explore available dates and times at http://ow.ly/WYvE30gt1By.

     

    Christmas Carols

    1st December 2017 – 18th December 2017

    The theme of this year’s Christmas opening explores the meaning behind some of our favourite carols, and Lord and Lady Edward Manners have put together a musical programme to match.

    Your festive visit to Haddon is sure to filled with the beautiful sound of carols new and old, as a vast range of musicians perform on almost every day of December. Find a full itinerary at http://ow.ly/RR2Q30gt3zz.

    Performances will take place in the Banqueting Hall at 12PM and 2PM each day, and are included in the general admission price.

    We would be delighted to welcome you to Haddon Hall this Christmas time.

    Book Online

  5. “A Gentleman’s Manor House” – Why Haddon Makes The Perfect Thornfield Hall

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    “It was three storeys high, of proportions not vast, though considerable:  a gentleman's manor-house”

    Turbulent romance, mystery and moral growth are what await Jane Eyre at Thornfield Hall, the fictitious home of Mr Rochester and infamous setting of Charlotte Brontë’s classic tale.

    It is well-known that the Haddon Estate has starred as Thornfield in multiple adaptations of the novel, with numerous appearances in film, television and theatrical productions. The most recent of these appearances was earlier this year, when audience members were invited to step inside the world of Jane Eyre in our very own promenade performances, commissioned by Lord and Lady Manners and written by local storyteller, Gillian Shimwell.

    Thornfield Hall plays host to much of the action in the novel, from unexplained attacks to harrowing secrets, forbidden love to unexpected reunions. Brontë describes the Hall in-depth through the voice of Jane and, by doing so, brings Thornfield to life as more than the setting of the novel.

    But what is it about the Haddon Estate that has so strongly attracted those developing Jane Eyre for stage and screen? We explored Jane’s depictions of Thornfield to find similarities in Haddon Hall and determine how exactly it captures its essence so authentically.

    "Is there a place in this neighbourhood called Thornfield?" I asked of the waiter who answered the summons.
    "Thornfield?  I don't know, ma'am; I'll inquire at the bar."  

    How Haddon Hall relates to this early mention of Thornfield may not be immediately obvious, but here’s what we noticed when we read between the lines. Just as the waiter is unaware of Thornfield Hall’s existence in the novel, the following quotes from recent visitors to Haddon Hall demonstrate a similar lack of knowledge about a treasure so close to home:

    “One of the hidden jewels of the Peak District in my opinion.”

    “Lived in North Derbyshire for 29 years and yesterday was the first time visiting Haddon Hall.  It is truly beautiful.”

    “You know the saying about never seeing things that are on your doorstep? Well, I first lived in the area in the 1980’s and never went to Haddon Hall… Wow, it was really fascinating… Why did I not go before?”

    Our interpretation is that, through their respective acknowledgements above, Haddon and Thornfield are both depicted as “hidden gems”, well-kept secrets of the countryside that are shrouded from immediate view and cloaked in mystery for those who have not visited.

    

    “To be sure it is pleasant at any time; for Thornfield is a fine old hall, rather neglected of late years perhaps, but still it is a respectable place”

    This account of Thornfield from Mrs Fairfax is one of the first the reader receives in the novel, and can be applied to Haddon Hall in multiple ways.

    Firstly, with springtime splendour in the gardens, autumnal atmosphere and winter wonderlands, we believe that Haddon truly is “pleasant at any time”, even if we are slightly biased….

    Furthermore, although the Hall is far from “neglected” now, it did lay dormant for over two hundred years between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries, before being restored in the 1920s. It is partly for this reason that Haddon remains largely as it was in the 16th century – “a fine old hall” and “respectable place” for everyone to experience and enjoy.

    “Farther off were hills:  not so lofty as those round Lowood, nor so craggy, nor so like barriers of separation from the living world; but yet quiet and lonely hills enough, and seeming to embrace Thornfield with a seclusion I had not expected”

    If you have ever visited Haddon Hall and looked out at the view from our terraced gardens, you should be able to draw your own comparisons from this quote. You will have seen the rolling Peak District hills which encompass the Haddon Estate and, without separating it from the outside world, mirror the seclusion and embrace of nature which Jane describes at Thornfield Hall.

    

    “I went apart into the orchard.  No nook in the grounds more sheltered and more Eden-like; it was full of trees, it bloomed with flowers:  a very high wall shut it out from the court, on one side; on the other, a beech avenue screened it from the lawn.”

    While Haddon Hall does have its own private orchard, it was actually our Elizabethan terraced gardens which this passage brought to mind. Revitalised over recent years by renowned garden designer Arne Maynard, the Haddon gardens showcase topiary trees, medicinal plants and stunning floral arrangements. In fact, the Bowling Green terrace is characterised by popular plants from 400 years ago, such as Germander, Lavender and Rosemary, which carry the rich heritage of the Hall from the inside, out.

    With high stone walls and a cushion of nature surrounding them, the gardens of Haddon Hall induce a feeling of sanctuary and solitude akin to that of the orchard in Jane Eyre.

    

    “All these relics gave...Thornfield Hall the aspect of a home of the past: a shrine to memory.”

    Although this impression appears relatively early on in the novel, we’ve saved it for last, as we believe that it encapsulates a quality which is central to Haddon Hall’s ambience, more so than any other passage we came across. To this day, Haddon Hall is largely unchanged and remains, on the most part, as it was hundreds of years ago, providing a unique view of early English life and history, so much so that simply walking into the lower courtyard can feel like taking a step back in time. We believe that it is this almost magical sense of time gone by which gives the manor house its distinctive character, and makes it a true place of historic importance and inspiration.

    We hope you’ve enjoyed our “study” and would love to hear your own interpretations. We look forward to welcoming you in the future and will leave you with one final quote about Thornfield – one that we hope may replicate your own sentiments upon leaving the Haddon Estate…

    “I grieve to leave Thornfield: I love Thornfield - I love it”

    The Hall is not only a “home of the past”, but, thanks to incredible ongoing restoration work, a home of the present and future as well. If you’d like to find out more about the restoration and conservation of Haddon Hall, visit our website or email isabelle@haddonhall.co.uk to enquire about our specialised restoration tours.

    View our full list of film and television credits here. 

  6. Coming Up On The Haddon Estate

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     Your ultimate guide to things to do on the Haddon Estate this summer.

    We’ve already had a taste of summer in the Peak District and are really looking forward to what else the season brings. From musical recitals to games in the garden, estate adventures to mechanical sculptures, you can be sure that our upcoming events schedule will cater for a vast range of interests.

    Please note that Haddon Hall will be closed to the public on the 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th August this year. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

     

    Shadows and Whispers – An Exhibition by Artist, Nik Ramage

    Between 1st August and 30th September, ingenious sculptures will be scattered across the halls of Haddon in this unique exhibition from artist Nik Ramage. Visitors will get the opportunity to interact with the mechanical creations, which were inspired by the shadows and whispers of Haddon Hall’s rich history.

    You can find out more about the exhibition in this interview with Nik, and share your experience by using #ShadowsAndWhispers and #HaddonHall on social media.

     

    Family Fete

    This two day festival will provide fun for all the family, with a whole host of exciting activities taking place in the hall and gardens. Over the August bank holiday weekend, children and adults alike can enjoy music, face-painting, archery, crafts, storytelling and much more at our family fete, with free entry for children with a paying adult.

    Register your interest on Facebook here.

     

     Music Performances

    We adore hearing the sound of music floating through the halls of Haddon, and are thrilled to be hosting a series of musical recitals throughout the summer.

    “It’s such a pleasure to hear music being performed around Haddon’s grounds. We hope these occasional performances with some of the region’s best musicians will bring much enjoyment to visitors this year and set Haddon on the map for music.” – Lady Edward

    Performances are included in the general admission price and will take place outside in the courtyards and gardens of Haddon if the weather is fine, or from within the incredible setting of the Long Gallery if rain is forecast. Recitals coming up during the summer include:

    • Richard Haslam (Classical Guitar) – Sunday 6th and 13th August
    • Laura-Rose Gee (Harpist) – Sunday 27th and Monday 28th August
    • Bell Ringers in the Chapel – Saturday 9th September

     

    However you like to spend your time, we are confident that you’ll find something for everyone at Haddon Hall this summer. We look forward to welcoming you over the next few months.

    Explore our full list of special events here, or book your tickets online.

  7. The ‘Shadows And Whispers’ of Haddon Hall

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    Show Sculpture - Shadows and Whispers - Haddon Hall

    We love to showcase unique work at Haddon Hall, and our upcoming exhibition will be no exception.

    Between August and September, the rooms of Haddon will play host to the inventive, captivating sculptures of artist Nik Ramage, in an innovative exhibition entitled ‘Shadows And Whispers’. Visitors are invited to seek out and interact with the mechanical creations, which will be scattered throughout the halls, some in plain sight and some disguised by their surroundings.

    We caught up with Nik ahead of the exhibition to learn more about his inventions and the inspiration behind them.

    How long have you been creating mechanical sculpture?
    “About 25 years.”

    What can visitors expect from the exhibition?
    “There are 39 mechanical sculptures and contraptions spread around Haddon, some in clusters, other by themselves. Some will be obvious and some more hidden. Some of the machines need the visitors to interact with them by turning a handle or pushing them along.”

    What was your inspiration?
    “Haddon Hall is an inspiring place. The rooms are full of atmosphere, ideas and layers of change. We have tried to position the sculptures, so the there is a conversation between my work and Haddon’s wonderful interiors. My work is inspired by found materials and found ideas (scraps from conversation, sights, oddities from life in general).”

    Why ‘Shadows and Whispers’?
    “I wanted to reflect what is not there and the harder-to-discern. The sub-text, not the main narrative.When something or someone is absent, they are still manifest in other ways, not least as an idea.”

    Do you have a favourite sculpture from the exhibition?
    “I was pleased with how ‘Shoe Shuffle’ worked out, it’s got a pleasing economy to it.”

    How can people share their experience and thoughts with you?
    “If they use social media, I’d love to see photos and comments on Instagram and Twitter, using my username @nikramage and the hashtag #ShadowsAndWhispers. Or they can drop me a line at nik@nikramage.com.”

     

    The Shadows And Whispers exhibition will take place from 1st August – 30th September and will be included in general admission to the hall.

    Find out more

    Book your tickets

  8. A Market With A Difference

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    Beautiful stalls lining Haddon’s driveway, a marquee in the Chapel Fields, music floating through the grounds…

    On the 8th – 9th of July, we are thrilled to be welcoming the areas finest artisan traders to showcase their exquisite creations. With exhibitors displaying everything from food to jewellery, stationery to photography, you can be sure that our Summer Artisan Market will have a special something for everyone.

    Market Stalls at Haddon Hall's Artisan Market - Peak District

    “Our wildflower meadow and Chapel Fields make the perfect setting for our lovely Summer Artisan Market. We will be showcasing some of the areas best artisans and their wide range of stunning makes, with Darley Dale Brass Band performing on our picnic area on the Sunday. Retail therapy and music with a chance to have afternoon tea in a beautiful setting by the River Wye – what’s not to love?” – Julie Mellor, Events Manager

    Entrance to the market is included in general admission to Haddon Hall. Alternatively, for guests only wishing to visit the market, the price for entrance will be £4 per adult, with children under 16 going free.

    Parking will be limited and will operate on a one-in-one-out basis at peak times. We recommend that visitors use public transport where possible.

    You can find more information and a list of stallholders on the event page.

  9. Haddon In Full Bloom

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    We have some wonderfully floral events for guests to enjoy during May and June.

    Our Flowers of Haddon Hall exhibition is now open until 31st July, exploring the floral representations and their symbolic significance within their historic, religious, political and social context throughout the hall. A beautifully intricate display, this exhibition is included in our general admission prices.

    For our horticulturally minded guests, we are delighted to be hosting an evening with Chelsea Gold Award Winning Gardener, Arne Maynard. Join us for a botanical cocktail in the gardens followed by a presentation from Arne looking at his design philosophy in the regeneration of Haddon’s gardens. You can find more details about this exclusive event here.

    We look forward to welcoming you to the Hall and gardens.

    > view all special events
    > book your place on a free guided walk

  10. Meet Mr Rochester

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    In April and June this year Haddon Hall will play host to live promenade performances of Jane Eyre.

    With matinee performances in April and special gala performances in June, Haddon will once again play the part of Thornfield Hall as the relationship between Jane and her Byronic employer takes shape.

    Mr Rochester will be played by Alastair Massey.

    After beginning his professional acting career at the age of thirteen when he appeared in Carlton Televisions hugely successful medical drama series Peak Practice, Alastair entered the Folk music arena, gigging frequently with John Tams, Coope Boyes and Simpson and Emily and Colin Baines.

    He trained at the prestigious Manchester Metropolitan School of Theatre, graduating in 2007.

    Since graduating he has had the good fortune to play lead roles in such theatrical productions for The Capitol Theatre, Manchester as Hamlet, Pride and Prejudice, Macbeth, Robin Hood, Journey’s End, Look Back In Anger, Arcadia, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, Kidnapped and The Three Musketeers.

    As well as understudying and playing lead roles in the Cameron Macintosh Ltd. musicals The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and Miss Saigon. And Jekyll & Hyde and Sweeney Todd at the Lace Market Theatre, Nottingham.

    His work in Television and Film includes Carlton Televisions Peak Practice, Roots Mccarrot for Sam Jordon Productions, Gladstone’s Value for Peverill Productions Ltd and Shot at Dawn, Connections and A Remote Possibility, all for Hannah Edwards Productions.

    Alastair is incredibly honoured and excited to be playing Mr Rochester in Jane Eyre at Haddon Hall.

    > find out more and book tickets here