Exploring the stories behind Leeds' Temple Newsam House through stunning installations

A flock of exotic birds, in twists of delicate paper, has taken flight in one of the world's most extravagantly decorated rooms.
Ruby Kitchen
By Ruby Kitchen
Published 11th Apr 2023, 06:00 BST

This is a new exhibition, Outside In, that sees the wonders of the animal kingdom brought to life to mark a century of Leeds' historic Temple Newsam House being in public ownership.

Colourful installations capture the sights and sounds of the natural world, exploring the stories behind the mansion, its residents and stunning parkland.

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Curator Adam Toole said: “For centuries, Temple Newsam has been a place filled with fascinating stories created by the many people and personalities who have called the estate home.

Columbian artist Diana Beltran Herrera installing a series of beautiful paper birds in the Chinese Drawing Room at Temple Newsam House, which forms part of a new exhibition called Inside Out, Yorkshire Post photographer Jonathan Gawthorpe.Columbian artist Diana Beltran Herrera installing a series of beautiful paper birds in the Chinese Drawing Room at Temple Newsam House, which forms part of a new exhibition called Inside Out, Yorkshire Post photographer Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Columbian artist Diana Beltran Herrera installing a series of beautiful paper birds in the Chinese Drawing Room at Temple Newsam House, which forms part of a new exhibition called Inside Out, Yorkshire Post photographer Jonathan Gawthorpe.

“Those stories have grown over more than 500 years to become part of the cultural fabric of Leeds and we’re delighted to be working with contemporary artists to bring them to life in new and imaginative ways as we celebrate how much Temple Newsam means to Leeds today.”

The exhibition opened last weekend, and runs until November 5.

Artist Diana Beltrán Herrera, using delicate paper in Forever Spring, created a flock of birds inspired by those on the 200-year-old wallpaper of the home's Chinese Drawing Room.

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Her designs hope to highlight the precarious state of the natural world today, while there is an immersive soundscape in the house’s Picture Gallery, as an 'indoor garden'.

Columbian artist Diana Beltran Herrera installing a series of beautiful paper birds in the Chinese Drawing Room at Temple Newsam House, which forms part of a new exhibition called Inside Out, Yorkshire Post photographer Jonathan Gawthorpe.Columbian artist Diana Beltran Herrera installing a series of beautiful paper birds in the Chinese Drawing Room at Temple Newsam House, which forms part of a new exhibition called Inside Out, Yorkshire Post photographer Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Columbian artist Diana Beltran Herrera installing a series of beautiful paper birds in the Chinese Drawing Room at Temple Newsam House, which forms part of a new exhibition called Inside Out, Yorkshire Post photographer Jonathan Gawthorpe.

Here artist Paul Ratcliff has combined sounds recorded around the estate, shining a light on wildlife habitats and the beauty of the grounds.

And a vast public artwork made by People Powered Press on the world’s largest letterpress printer is also on display in the house’s courtyard.

The magnificent stately home, set in over 1,000 acres of parkland once owned by the Templars, was built by Thomas Lord Darcy from 1500 as the largest in Yorkshire.

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It was to be seized by Henry VIII, and gifted to his niece, later becoming birthplace to the notorious Lord Darnley, husband of Mary Queen of Scots and father of James I.

Columbian artist Diana Beltran Herrera installing a series of beautiful paper birds in the Chinese Drawing Room at Temple Newsam House, which forms part of a new exhibition called Inside Out, Yorkshire Post photographer Jonathan Gawthorpe.Columbian artist Diana Beltran Herrera installing a series of beautiful paper birds in the Chinese Drawing Room at Temple Newsam House, which forms part of a new exhibition called Inside Out, Yorkshire Post photographer Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Columbian artist Diana Beltran Herrera installing a series of beautiful paper birds in the Chinese Drawing Room at Temple Newsam House, which forms part of a new exhibition called Inside Out, Yorkshire Post photographer Jonathan Gawthorpe.

The Temple Newsam estate was purchased by the City of Leeds Council in 1922, and opened to the public on October 19, 1923.

The estate is now one of the largest public parks in Europe, with an historic working rare breeds farm alongside the 500-year-old mansion house.

Coun Jonathan Pryor is Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education.

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He said: “Temple Newsam is one of the city’s most beautiful and historic locations and is quite rightly cherished by the people of Leeds.

“It’s fitting that we celebrate everything and everyone who has contributed to making the estate so special and show how proud we are that Leeds is home to such an amazing and unique place.”

Related topics:LeedsHenry VIII