Press Releases
PRESS RELEASE - SEPTEMBER 2006
The Artists and Makers of Rushmore
An Exhibition
at
The Larmer Tree Gardens
(The Rushmore Estate, Tollard Royal on the Wiltshire/Dorset border)
Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November, 2006
Private preview by invitation only 11.00am–2.30pm
Thereafter free admission 2.00pm-6.00pm
A unique opportunity to view the work of the resident artisans of the Rushmore Estate:
Francis Russell Design Ltd
Specialist metal work designers and metalsmiths
www.francisrussell.co.uk
William Walker
Glassmaker www.theglassmaker.co.uk
James Winby
Master cabinet maker
www.winby.co.uk
This exhibition is a unique opportunity to meet the resident artists of Rushmore Farm and view stock pieces as well as privately commissioned works on special loan. The exhibition is hosted by William Gronow Davis, incumbent of the Rushmore Estate and visionary behind the development of Rushmore Farm as a centre of artistic excellence.
Mr. Gronow Davis has continued the spirit of philanthropy and diversification pioneered on the Rushmore Estate, acting as patron to these artists and inviting them to take up residence at the farm. The foundation of this was the creation in 1880 of The Larmer Tree Gardens created by General Pitt Rivers as a pleasure ground for public enlightenment and entertainment’. The exhibition is shown in the Pavilion – the centre piece of the gardens.
While the estate is also home to Sandroyd School and incorporates a golf course and equestrian centre, the concept of Rushmore Farm as an artistic centre has developed organically. The exchange of ideas, technology and skill has developed far beyond a simple grouping of businesses under one roof. This is a unique model which is pushing traditional boundaries of individual skill. Rushmore Farm not only maintains the traditional crafts required for the maintenance of this estate past and present, but also reaches beyond to serve a broader community.
In essence, the Rushmore Farm development is representative of the Rushmore Estate as modern and progressive as well as being at the forefront of patronage of rural business and craft. It is a prime example of the kind of philanthropy evident onsuch estates as Highgrove in Gloucestershire, Burghley House in Lincolnshire and Longleat in Wiltshire.
Together, the Rushmore artisans combine traditional construction techniques and the aesthetic of modern design while developing new techniques with innovative results. The unique proximity of the trio at Rushmore Farm has generated a distinctive creative melting-pot which culminates occasionally to collaboration on projects requiring multi-discipline experience. One such example will be on show at the exhibition: a private commission of a pair of cabinets in the manner of Pugin – combining the cabinet-work of James Winby, and brass work created by FrancisRussell designs.
For further images from our archive library and details please contact exhibition organiser:
Charlotte Bowater at Rushmore Farm
Rushmore Farm, Tollard Royal, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 5QA
Tel: 01725 516315 or charlotte@francisrussell.co.uk
(All images available to email)
Francis Russell Designs
Francis Russell formed what was originally Sarum Metal Craft in 1990 to supply the interior design trade. The business was renamed in 2005 as Francis Russell Designs to reflect a new direction in producing its own lighting range and the increasing demand for exclusively designed commissions.
Driven by an enthusiasm for traditional craft skills, he has added many aspects to the company’s range of metalworking techniques. Today the business combines an unconventional mix of technical skills with an aesthetic awareness to offer an unrivalled design and making service.
The company carries out commissions for clients all over the world, working with leading international architects and designers to produce exclusive pieces. It also develops and produces product ranges for leading interior design, lighting and accessory companies. The FRD lighting range is on permanent display at its showroom at Rushmore Farm.
The FRD display at the exhibition is designed to show the range of techniques and abilities of its artisans through its own lighting range as well as privately commissioned pieces.
For further information please contact us at:
01725 516315
www.francisrussell.co.uk
James Winby
James Winby’s workshop at Rushmore is a wood-work lover’s paradise. Immaculate tooling areas, works in development, dry woods waiting for transformation to stunning cabinet-work line the walls and an atmosphere of concentrated creativity and dedication to minute detail lend themselves to the perfection of the final products.
James moved his workshop to Rushmore on the invitation of William Gronow Davis following his contribution to the Artists & Makers of the Chase Exhibition in 2003. This move complements the trio of skilled expertise that is Rushmore Farm.
Prior to this James’ career began with formal training at college, then serving as a furniture maker for several years. In 1992 he travelled to Japan. Motivated by a curiosity for the woodwork and design of the country he stayed there for three years making furniture and lacquerware near the city of Kobe – the Japanese aesthetic and the culture of craft having a great appeal to him. On his return from Japan he started up workshops in London before moving to Dorset in 2000.
For further information please contact James at:
Tel: 01725 516 454
www.winby.co.uk
William Walker
William Walker has been a glassmaker for 33 years. Since gaining a first class honors degree from the West Surrey College, William went on to do an M.A. at the Royal College where he won the Design Council Award from H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh. He has exhibited internationally, in New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong and London over a 25 year period. His work can be found in the V&A, the Guggenheim, New York, the Musée Belerive, Switzerland and Takashimya, Japan. Private collections include those of the Queen, Elizabeth Taylor, Roger Penske and more locally, Lord Salisbury. Major commissions have included the windows for the octagon building at Windsor Castle as well as the lay lights for the crimson drawing room corridor.
William is renowned for the skill, originality and quality of his work. By prior arrangement he gives demonstrations in his workshop. William generally makes speculatively but also welcomes commissions.
For further information please contact William at:
www.theglassmaker.co.uk
info@theglassmaker.co.uk
Tel: 01725 516315
Further Information
For further information please contact Charlotte Bowater at:
Francis Russell Designs
Rushmore Farm
Tollard Royal
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP5 5QA.
Tel: 01725 516315
Fax: 01725 516419
Email: charlotte@francisrussell.co.uk
Web: www.francisrussell.co.uk
