A PORTRAIT OF PLACE - The new Craftsmen in residence at Holkham Hall

About

This September sees the culmination of a very special collaboration between Holkham and The New Craftsmen. Earlier this year, six makers were invited by The New Craftsmen - a platform for genuine and meaningful craft playfully imagined and properly made by artisans of the British Isles - on a residency to Holkham to explore and creatively respond to the rich narratives of history, culture and aesthetic style embedded in the estate. Over five days, the makers were inspired by Holkham's cast of characters and experts, both past and present; its decorative upstairs; pared-back downstairs; the outhouses; surrounding 25,000 acres; its values and progressive outlook, and were commissioned by The New Craftsmen to interpret it through the medium of craft. The result will be an idiosyncratic collection of hand-crafted pieces - entitled 'A Portrait of Place' - that will be exhibited at Holkham Hall from 9th - 13th September, before showcasing at the London Design Festival from 18th to 26th September.

This year's residency at Holkham Hall is the second 'A Portrait of Place' by The New Craftsmen after the first iteration took place in Orkney in 2019. The six craftspeople selected for this year's 'A Portrait of Place' are Alfred Newall, Arjan Van Dal, James Rigler, Laura Carlin and Mac Collins. Each is working in their respective studios developing a piece or a collection - from lighting and furniture, to mirrors and decorative statements - inspired by their week at Holkham Hall.


There are two ways of viewing the pieces - either as part of a standard Guided Hall Tour where you will be able to view the pieces in situ or, to discover more about the collection from those involved, you can book a specialised Portrait of Place Tour.

Guided Tours of Holkham Hall
Thursday 9th, Sunday 12th and Monday 13th September, 10am-3pm

If, like us, you can't wait to see the resulting works, book ahead for one of our tours. All tours of Holkham Hall on will include the finished pieces and our tours guides will tell you more about the makers and their inspiration.

Book your hall tour here


A Portrait of Place Tours
Craftsmen (and Women) Old and New; How the Craftsmen of Holkham Past Inspired 'The New Craftsmen' of Today
Thursday 9th at 3pm, Sunday 12th at 10am and Monday 13th September at 3pm

Immerse yourself in the artworks, the objects, landscapes and history at Holkham which provided the inspiration and the creative processes behind the project with our special A Portrait of Place Tours. Catherine Lock from the New Craftsmen, along with Katherine Hardwick and Mac Graham from Holkham, will give you an inspiring insight into the project and the incredible works the makers have created.

This unprecedented tour is a celebration of a unique collaboration. When a new breed of master craftsmen immersed themselves in the historic world of Holkham Hall, something very special happened. We want to take you with us on a leisurely journey to look at the craft-pieces that emerged, in the historic setting that inspired them.

The tour starts with refreshments and a chance to get to know each other. We hope you will join our conversation. We will tour Holkham Hall looking at the craft-pieces in their carefully chosen locations - furniture, illustration, light-based, ceramic and other craft-pieces by the very best in the country will be on show. We discuss the power of light, colour and form. We examine façade and structure and dwell on details of the hall which set the creative process of the New Craftsmen alight.

This tour is a celebration of craftsmen old and new and a chance to see Holkham Hall in a whole new light.

The Details

Parking plus tea/coffee on arrival is included in your ticket. Each tours lasts around 90-120 minutes. Meet outside the hall 10 minutes before your tour start time.

Let's Protect Each Other

Full risk assessments will be carried out as part of our Good to Go industry standard. For the latest update on our approach to COVID-19 guidance, please read our useful information page.

Cancellation Policy

If you book tickets and government restrictions mean that you are unable to visit, or we need to cancel the event, you will receive a full refund of the ticket price. Otherwise, please see our cancellation policy.