Compton Verney is an 18th Century mansion designed by Robert Adam, set in over 40 acres of parkland landscaped by 'Capability' Brown.
In 1993, the estate - including a derelict mansion - was taken over by the Peter Moores Foundation to create an art gallery in a magnificent setting.
The aim was to present artworks in accessible ways, making it especially appealing to people that are new to art galleries.
Before that could happen, there was a lot of restoration work to complete.
|  | Compton Verney seen from the air |
Architects Stanton Williams began transforming Compton Verney into an art gallery in 1997.
Conservation and reconstruction of the registered park and Grade I-listed mansion house is now in its final stages.
Building is also under way to construct an education centre with workshop spaces and seminar facilities.
|  | Serious restoration work |
Compton Verney will open to the public on 27 March 2004.
Visitors will be able to see a historic collection of Southern and Northern European Art, the British Collection, the east Asian Collection and a rare collection of British Folk Art.
There were also temporary exhibitions, in a spirt of play, while the house was closed. Some of these are described below.
|  | Extensive building work at Compton Verney |
The Peter Moores Foundation is funding Compton Verney House Trust to restore Compton Verney and set up the new art gallery.
CVHT is a registered charity and relies on the support and generosity of other organisations and individuals to present temporary exhibitions and work with artists and visitor groups in the community.
|  | Conservation work on Compton Verney |
Before opening in late March 2004, the estate hosted a series of art projects, exhibitions and events in the grounds.
These included installations, interactive artworks and outdoor sculptures.
The projects were Plane Landing by Aleksandra Mir, Cattle Market by Keith Wilson and the Mobile Reality Creator by Bob and Roberta Smith.
|  | Compton Verney seen across the lake |
After the huge restoration project, Compton Verney house, gallery, shop and café will open on 27 March 2004.
Follow this link to the Compton Verney Opening page for a virtual visit to the gallery.
Follow the Compton Verney website link on the left for more information about planning a visit and to see some of the artworks and events you can expect at the house.
See Compton Verney on film | |
Click the video link on the top left to see the special report on Compton Verney shown on BBC Midlands Today in June 2003.
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