John Piper Exhibition listings

To celebrate the opening of the new season in 2012, Blenheim Palace will host its very first art exhibition a display of work by the renowned 20th century British artist, John Piper (1903-1992). The exhibition will mainly focus on Pipers depictions of Blenheim Palace but also explore the interlinking strains of his Oxfordshire connections, his writing, his architectural drawings and paintings of other country houses, as well as some of his collaborative work - prints, stained glass, books, ceramics and tapestry - all of which display the exceptional versatility of his creative output. Piper is well known for his deep-rooted love of English architecture and the countryside. A series of eleven watercolours (including some iconic images of the Palace, which so effectively convey the drama of its Baroque architecture) were undertaken in the last decade of the artists life and remain a splendid manifestation of his mature work. Jeri Bapasola, Archival Researcher at Blenheim Palace, and curator of the exhibition comments: John Pipers paintings of Blenheim Palace represent some of the most striking 20th century images of the house, along with its garden temples, fountains, lodges and bridges. The watercolours were commissioned by the present (11th) Duke of Marlborough. Most of these have never been seen together by the public and are being exhibited for the first time in the Long Library at Blenheim Palace, in 2012, to mark the 20th anniversary of the artists death. SPECIAL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES Thursday 1st March 2012, 11.00am - 4.00pm - Print Workshop Join a practical workshop in the basic techniques of printmaking. Starting at 11.00am the day will include a tour of the Piper exhibition with Jeri Bapasola (Curator of the exhibition) followed by the print workshop in the afternoon. You will be able to make your own print to take home with you. No previous experience is necessary, printing materials will be provided; please bring your own plastic/protective apron. Booking essential, places limited to 15. (Last date for booking 24th February 2012 Tickets: £55 / £50 for Friends/Annual Pass holders (includes Palace, Park and Gardens entry, exhibition tour, prints workshop and materials). Saturday 17th March 2012, 2.30pm A talk on John Piper by Frances Spalding. A talk by the author of a recent biography on the artist, followed by: 'Working with Piper' by Geoffrey Eastop Eastop shared a pottery studio with the artist from 1969-1984. Book signings will take place after the talks, as well as a sale of pottery by Geoffrey Eastop, made especially for the exhibition shop. Saturday 31st March 2012, 3.00pm A talk on the Shell Guides, John Piper and John Betjeman by David Heathcote Author of A Shell Eye on England. Admission for the talks is included within a Park & Gardens ticket, (Adults £11.50. Concs. £8.50, Child £6.00) or free for Friends and Annual Pass holders. Booking essential, places limited to 60 for each talk. For full details and to book special events & activities: Tel: 01993 810530 or email operations@blenheimpalace.com A Piper Exhibition Shop will offer a new range of products inspired by John Pipers paintings of Blenheim Palace and other exclusive gifts, books and accessories