Castle Howard Exhibition Celebrates Sir John Vanbrugh’s Legacy Starting Today
Castle Howard has opened a new exhibition, Staging the Baroque: Vanbrugh at Castle Howard. The display marks 300 years since Sir John Vanbrugh’s death. At Castle Howard, the exhibition celebrates Sir John Vanbrugh’s legacy. It opens starting today.
Curators and creative responses
Architect Roz Barr designed and curated the show. She examines Vanbrugh’s use of scale, shadow and light.
Artist Es Devlin has been invited to respond to Vanbrugh’s work. Her new installation will be revealed in the Temple of the Four Winds in June.
What visitors will see
The exhibition brings together original letters and 18th-century editions of Vanbrugh’s plays. Engravings from Vitruvius Britannicus are on display.
A large-scale model of the Castle Howard landscape sits within the galleries. A new film by Thomas Adank explores the house and the estate.
Featured objects and displays
- Original correspondence by Vanbrugh.
- Early printed editions of his plays.
- Engravings from Vitruvius Britannicus.
- Model of the historic landscape.
- New short film by Thomas Adank.
Historical context and patronage
The show traces Vanbrugh’s partnership with Charles Howard, 3rd Earl of Carlisle. Their collaboration produced the bold, theatrical house that became Castle Howard.
Roz Barr highlights the dialogue between building and landscape. She points to the dome, elevations, gardens and distant monuments.
Programme for the tercentenary year
The exhibition forms part of a wider tercentenary programme. It includes talks, performances and artist commissions.
From May 23, families can take part in Playshapes: Castle Constructors. Yorkshire artist Pippa Hale created this interactive block play experience.
Events of note
- Es Devlin’s Temple of the Four Winds installation, unveiling in June.
- Family-friendly Playshapes from May 23.
- Lectures and performances across the year.
Visitor access and house tour
Staging the Baroque is included on the Castle Howard house tour. The tour now includes the renovated Tapestry Drawing Room and the Long Gallery.
For full listings and event information, visit Filmogaz.com.
