Fashionably arty: Head to Harrogate for country art originals sale

Countrywear specialists Cordings is holding a Country House Art Sale at its Harrogate store, starting today and running throughout this weekend, March 24-26 2017, writes Stephanie Smith.
Inside the Cordings Harrogate store.Inside the Cordings Harrogate store.
Inside the Cordings Harrogate store.

“The challenge when opening our new store in Harrogate was to reflect the heritage of our brand through our intimate association with country pursuits,” says Cordings, which is part owned by Eric Clapton.

“The Edwardian interior of Westminster Arcade naturally has the feel of an English country house in the early years of the 20th century, and the prints, painting and taxidermy around the store enhance this mood.

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“Our Country House Art Sale is a celebration, in art, of the British countryside throughout the 178 years of our history. This collection of oil paintings, watercolours and fine prints represents what one might see in a Yorkshire Country House of the present day, reflecting the tastes and interests of Cordings customers. Works spanning the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries cover country pursuits, Yorkshire landscapes and those from further afield, with prices starting at under £100 and ranging up to £1,000.”

A painting of Fountains Abbey. Prices in the sale range from under £100 to £1,000.A painting of Fountains Abbey. Prices in the sale range from under £100 to £1,000.
A painting of Fountains Abbey. Prices in the sale range from under £100 to £1,000.

Michael Sayers, curator of the exhibition, says: “The Country House has been pivotal in the history of art-collecting in Britain. Within the great houses of England, collections reflect the interests of generations of owners, from local landscapes and sporting motifs, to livestock and acquisitions from their European tours.

“In the 19th century collecting spread to a wider range of country house owners, including those of more modest means, but with no less passion for their pursuits and ever widening surroundings. Most of these art works would have been contemporary at the time they were acquired and in many families collecting has continued in this way to the present day.

“We are excited to show these works, collected over a period of two years, to our customers in Harrogate. We feel they will be as enthralled by the subjects and styles as we are.”

Cordings is at Westminster Arcade, Parliament Street, Harrogate.

Stephanie Smith Twitter and Instagram: yorkshirefashq

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