Open season at and Gardens extended creating a tranquil pre-Christmas retreat

A cote of 543 paper doves has come to roost a Kilpin Hall this November. Volunteers have been working since August to fold old maps into the origami paper birds to form an art installation in the main staircase and historic rooms of the hall. One has even been flown in by mail from a follower in American.

Director, James Etherington, explains the motivation behind the artwork. “The beautiful display of origami doves and ships made from old maps link to the adventurous story of the hall's creator. Kiplin Hall was built in the 1620’s by George Calvert, whose family went on to found the first settlements in Maryland in the USA. The paper creations are inspired by the two ships, The Ark and The Dove, which carried colonists from to Maryland in 1634. The flock of paper doves suspended from the main staircase floats majestically past Calvert's impressive portrait, headed toward the window, with views of the lake, folly and horizon beyond. We hope the display provides a pre-Christmas retreat for visitors, a moment for calm reflection before the busy festive period takes over.”

Although normally closed at this time of year, visitors have an extra opportunity to enjoy Kiplin Hall and Gardens as the open season has been extended until Sunday 24th November opening 11am – 4pm 5 days a week. As well as the origami installation the popular No Borders contemporary art exhibition continues to impress visitors. The contemporary artworks are for sale, making unique and special Christmas gifts to be treasured for generations. Landscape paintings, prints, and ceramics are all part of the display featuring established and emerging artists from the region and across the country.

As well as its usual high-quality food and drink the Tea Room larder is bursting with chutneys and jams made from produce grown in the walled gardens. You simply can’t get more local than that. Fruit packed handmade Christmas cakes and hampers are also available to order. The gift shop is well stocked with ecologically friendly toiletries from makers, small wooden toys, and stationery featuring artwork from the V&A and National Gallery Collection. Perfect for those unusual stocking fillers. Seasonal, handmade refreshments are being served in the tearoom throughout the extended open season. Once closed Kiplin Hall and Gardens will reopen in February 2020 as the renowned snow drops emerge, carpeting the ground in the historic woodland.

Images

1. A flock of over 500 paper doves created by volunteers inspired by Kiplin’s origins and links to The Ark and The Dove vessels which sailed to Maryland in 1634. 2. Paper doves made from old maps decorate Kiplin Hall in the spirit of adventure and exploration the house is known for. 3. Visitors Samantha Jennings and son Thomas enjoy the usual display in the historic house.

Notes To Editors:

• Contact: Samantha Jennings (Marketing and Communications Officer) 07811190193 [email protected] • Kiplin Hall, Near Scorton, Richmond, , DL10 6AT www.kiplinhall.co.uk • Kiplin Hall is an historic house museum set in 100 acres of grounds between Northallerton and Richmond; the visitor attraction enjoys a peaceful location with grounds comprising of woodland, parkland, lakeside, and lawns. • Open Saturday to Wednesday, 11am - 4pm (Closed Thursdays and Fridays) • Last day Sunday 24th November 2019 until February 2020 • TEA ROOM - free entry. Enjoy homemade seasonal specialities in the company of Kiplin’s ancestor’s (immortalised in oil paintings on the walls) in Kiplin’s wonderful wood panelled Tea Room. • Entry to Hall, Gardens and Grounds ticket - £10.50 adults, £9.50 conc, £5.50 child, under 5’s free. £28.00 Family ticket. Seasonal passes are available.