Victorian Passions and Pursuits at Blenheim Palace

Whilst Flamingo are busy with the Christmas Light Trail illuminating England’s finest view we are also looking ahead to an exciting 2018. A stunning new exhibition showcasing some of the finest examples of Victorian art goes on display at Blenheim Palace from February 10th – April 16th 2018.

Victorian Passions and Pursuits depicts the development of art throughout the 19th century with works by J.M.W. Turner, Edward Burne-Jones, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, James McNeill Whistler, Richard Dadd and Aubrey Beardsley.

Drawn from the internationally acclaimed Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Collection demonstrates how wildly differing styles ranging from the older traditional artists to the Aesthetes, the Pre-Raphaelites to the Decadents and the Social Satirists to the Exquisites all grew and flourished alongside one another.

The new exhibition will also incorporate a series of never-before-seen botanical watercolours by Lady Susan Stewart, the 5th Duchess of Marlborough.

Alongside the artworks, Blenheim Palace is returning several of its magnificent State Rooms to the way they would have looked during Queen Victoria’s reign.

Utilising unique early images of the Palace taken by the renowned Oxford photographer Henry Taunt, the Great Hall, Saloon and Second State Room will all be given a Victorian makeover.

To complete the theme there will also be a display in the Library highlighting the filming of ‘Young Victoria’ which starred Emily Blunt at Blenheim Palace and featuring images, costume and a selection of props used in the film.