Have a Brush With Nature at Levens Hall

Levens Hall and Gardens, home to the world’s oldest topiary garden, is continuing its quest to instil a love of greenery in the younger generation, whilst inspiring youngsters’ creative response to nature.

The Elizabethan, South Lakes house and garden, located near Kendal, the gateway to the Lake District National Park, is offering a workshop that will inspire both green fingers and artistry amongst children.

Held in a private room within the historic Hall, the Paint and Plant workshop, to be held between 10.30am and 12 noon on July 24, will be provided by indoor plant specialist, Rosedale Botanics.

Children attending will use their creative juices to design their own houseplant planter.  Their design can be anything they desire, from a traditional pattern to a very 21st century abstract. 

Whilst the paint dries, the children will be provided with tips on how to plant and care for a houseplant – one that could eventually find a home within their own specially designed planter.

Additional planters can be provided for siblings and parents of those taking part in the workshop, with all of this able to be decided on the day.  The cost of this workshop is £30 for one child and £50 for two.

More creativity will be inspired at Family Art workshops, provided by local charity artist, Bob Sutcliffe.  This artist currently has a Flower Therapy outdoor exhibition at Levens Hall and Gardens, set in the wilderness gardens.  

Staged on both August 5 and August 19, at a cost of £18 for each session, his art workshops will encourage children to think about the world of nature and provide their unique interpretations in artistic form.  Children will be motivated to do their very best, even if not natural young Van Goghs, and the results may well be a surprise to parents.  One adult with each paying child will be able to attend the workshop and see any such artistic transformation for themselves.

Adults who would also love to have the opportunity to learn more with Bob and assess whether they too have any ability, can attend sessions aptly called ‘A Morning of Dabbling’.  These adult watercolour painting workshops are taking place on July 29 and August 12, so it is not all about the youngsters having all the summer holiday fun.  Adult sessions with Bob are priced at £45 for a session lasting from 10am to 1pm.  Painters of all abilities are very welcome.

Levens Hall and Gardens’ owner, Richard Bagot, says, “Levens Hall is known for some wonderful works of art but some of the most uplifting are those we see produced by absolute amateurs and young artists.  We believe this trend will continue this summer and cannot wait to hear of the unexpected masterpieces coming out of the different workshops. No doubt some of these will grace the homes of their creators for years to come but the workshops will do more than creating planters, paintings and watercolours.  They will also create wonderful memories.”

To find out more, and to book for any of these sessions, please head to www.levenshall.co.uk

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Editors notes

Levens Hall & Gardens is a historic house in the South Lakes, Cumbria, close to Kendal and home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, dating from 1694, created by French garden designer, Guillaume Beaumont. The Hall is a stunning Elizabethan house built around a 13th century pele tower and has close links to the Duke of Wellington, as well as various items which once belonged to him and Napoleon Bonaparte. Levens Park is home to the rare Bagot goats gifted to the Bagot family and a place in which to stroll and enjoy nature. Levens Kitchen is the contemporary new cafe, full of delights for cake lovers and foodies alike.