"Welcome to my World" - Woodland Scene
@Welcome to my World’ hanging on the wall at my studio this week
The Historical Staunton Hall and Ferrers Centre
A Creative Environment
Working in my new studio space every day, I find myself getting curious about the history of the building and surrounding estate, and how the Ferrers Centre came into being. So I tried to see what I could find out… and there is a lot(!) of history and interesting things to find out about. Below is a brief history. Of course, now that I have begun to read about these things, I’m even more curious than I was before and will delve deeper when I get the chance. One thing is for sure, it’s a privilege to be able to work here and create art surrounded by such a wonderful estate
Staunton Harold Church
The church was built in 1653 by Robert Shirley, in defiance of Cromwell, and in support of the King. Unfortunately, Shirley died in the Tower of London under Cromwell and didn’t get to see the church finished. After the monarchy was restored, the Church was completed by Richard Shepheard in 1665. Its a very interesting little church, and they sometimes give informative tours, which Im hoping to join in one day and find out more.
The Ferrers at Staunton Harold
The link between Staunton Hall and The Ferrers Name is a man called Robert Shirley (don’t call me Shirley) who inherited the family seat in 1646. He was a well-educated 7th baronet and headed for a career in politics. The peerage Baron Chartley of Ferrers was conferred on him so that he could proceed to the Houe of Lords. So he became the first Earl Ferrers
We are now on the 14th Earl Ferrers, although Staunton Harold Hall no longer belongs to that family. In 1954 the 12th Earl Ferrers put the house and land up for auction, and the hall was destined for demolition. Thankfully the hall was rescued and turned into a Cheshire home, later becoming a Sue Ryder Hospice. In 2003, the Blunt family bought the house and began to turn it back into a family home.
The Stable Block
The late 18th-century stable block, used to house the horses of the Staunton Estate, was arranged around a central courtyard. As well as stables, there was a coach house, grain store and quarters for unmarried servants. There was also a forge, which is still in use to this day. The Blunt family acquired the stable block in 1954 when they purchased Home Farm. By this time it had fallen into disrepair. The courtyard was overgrown and the buildings were standing derelict.
It took twenty years, but eventually the old neglected stableyard was transformed!
Ferrers Centre Today
The Blunt family had a wonderful vision of rebuilding and turning the space into a centre where craftspeople could work. It took until the seventies to achieve this dream, and in 1978, the first potter moved in. The centre has grown and thrived over the years and has become a hub for artists and craftspeople to work every day, and to offer their work for sale to the public right from their workspace. In this way, the centre is unique and has over 15 artisans working onsite, a Framers, a well-known Art Gallery, Deli and Tearooms to visit.
The Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts. Staunton Harold Hall, Melbourne Rd, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 1RU Website
Staunton Harold Hall
The Hall is a country house built around a quadrangle, set in around 2000 acres. There is a church situated on the South East side., The ornate gateway to the Northeast front of the house is late 17th century, and the hound and the stag (below) were emblems of the coat of arms of the Shirley family. The gatehouse, at the Melbourne Road, entrance to the estate, was built in the 1800s.
The original house incorporated a Jacobean property, and was built around the early 1700s The Hall as it appears today is the result of rebuilding work carried out by the fifth Earl Ferrers beginning in 1763. The stables and walled kitchen garden were also built in the late 1700s. This was also when the two large lakes or pools, Church Pool, and Fish Pool were created, in place of the old formal gardens. The walled kitchen garden of three acres is now the site of the Garden Centre.
The Earls Ferrers
Even the name ‘Ferrers’ is interesting and I’ve seen quite a few local references to it. The name itself dates back to the Norman invasion, where a Man called Henry (de Ferrers) from Ferrieres Saint- Hilaire in Normandy was considered rather helpful to William the Conqueror, so he presented him with a huge amount of land as a result and he became one of the most influential men in the country at that time. Along with many other achievements, he founded Tutbuty Priory in 1080.
His son Robert became the Earl of Derby. Six generations of the de Ferrers Family would hold this title, which was taken away in 1275 after a rebellion. When the family was restored to favour 8 years later they were granted the Manor of Chartley, accompanied by the title Baron Ferrers of Chartley. The peerage continued until falling into abeyance in 1855.
It was Earl Ferrers, In the Study
It seems like he 4th Earl of Ferrers was actually not a very nice man even before he shot his old famildy steward in 1760. He shot him in a drunken rage, and the poor man died of his injuries the following day. Read more about this astonishing tale here. The Earl was the very last Peer to be hanged for murder in this country.
References: https://www.lrgt.org/places/staunton-harold-hall/
https://www.stauntonharoldestate.co.uk/history/
https://www.visitleicester.info/see-and-do/staunton-harold-estate-and-ferrers-centre-for-arts-and-crafts-p806181
In the Art Studio - A Peek at my Workspace
Behind the scenes!
One day last week I arrived at the studio and decided to de-clutter and have a bit of a move-around to maximise the space. I took some photos during the tidying session but forgot to take any before-and-after. Space is always at a premium when you paint quite big canvases! It is creative chaos!
Ill get some more photos this week
Big Painting of a Lion - Just Completed
Lion Painting For Sale
He is a big lad!
A dramatic large painting of a lion, 100 X 100 cm. Or 40 x 40 “ lion painting on stretched canvas. I chose a new palette that I'm loving at the moment which is based around a transparent maroon and indanthrone blue, together they mix to make some really stunning muted shades, browns, and greyed-down violets. Then I added an Indian yellow-red shade for the golden highlights, all with a warm white that I mixed. I’ve named him ‘Rough Boy’ and he is now available for sale.
A very big commission
As you can see below, my most recently completed bespoke painting was an enormous painting of a Highland Cow, in lovely warm, Autumn colours. The owenrs were inspired by another of my pieces, from a year or two back, named Islay. They wanted a similar piece, but a lot bigger and with even more orangey tones. Of course no two cow pictures are ever really the same, but the inspiration piece was there in the back of my mind as I was painting. The project took around 6 weeks to complete, as there were four or five layers of paint to build up, and each needed time to dry in between. Its a slow priocess but the final results make up for it - the textures and colours interplay and beautify the surface of the canvas. Close-up, the painting is a tangle of brush strokes and textured paint, when you step back the cow emerges.
If you would like to discuss your own next commissioned piece, dont hesitate to get in touch. I am open to requests until the end of September. hello@suegardnerstudio.com
Safe Arrival!
Hi Sue,
I just wanted to let you know that the painting arrived safely.. She looks absolutely stunning on the wall and we are so pleased with the final product. Thank you so much!! I'm sure we will be commissioning another piece in the future.
All the best,
Bonnie
A Giant Highland Cow Painting in progress
Big Cow on Canvas
Im getting close to finishing this big lady, (100 x 120cm ) My easel at the studio in Ferrers is not my big hefty easel, and I really noticed the difference yesterday. I had to hammer three wooden canvas wedges into the workings of the easel to stop it sliding down to the floor under the weight of this canvas.
'Starlight' - A Barn Owl against the starry night sky
Featuring:
The Milky Way!
‘Starlight’ is an original oil painting measuring 60 x 76 cm, with a beautiful Barn Owl against a starry night sky. He is available for sale currently and will be on display at my studio. I love to be surrounded by owls, they are so calming.
Snowy Owl Painting on the easel at home
Painting of a Snowy Owl
I love owls, and they are gorgeous to paint, too. This new one is a Snowy Owl, half in shade, with one golden amber eye glowing.
Update* He is now finished and available for sale here
A Giant Painting of a Stag
Large Stag Oil Painting, as yet un-named - 100 x 150 cm
A big new deer painting in the works
My latest large painting (100 x 150 cm ) is a painting of a stag, with proud antlers festooned with undergrowth and bracken. Im using beautiful natural shades of leaf-green, sage-green, gold and warm browns to give a contemporary yet classical effect. Once finished, he will be available to purchase on my website here
In my studio - lion painting Rufus
Lion painting for sale
I was at the studio this morning tidying up after the weekend’s festivities, and I thought Id take a couple of photographs and a video of my original painting of a lion, called ‘Rufus’. I love this piece, the colours always put me in a good mood, and his serious expression makes me smile.
Rufus is looking for a special home and is available to purchase here where you can see lots more photographs of this lovely fella.
Lighting Effects
Blondie - New Highland Cow Painting
Im exploring lighting effects in my paintings, and have four pieces currently taking turns now that I have completed my commissions for the time being.
The recent bespoke painting of Molly the Black Labrador reminded me of how much I used to like painting the light effects on the fur, wool and feathers of my subjects and has led me to return to this approach for a while and see where it leads me.
A handsome new Highland Cow painting
Ross - a handsome Highlander!
He’s a real colourful character, with a face full of fun. There is a lot of texture and intuitive use of colour in this striking piece. 61 x 91 original oil painting on canvas, ready to hang.
Paintings of the Famous Highland Cow
Now available - at Creative Fine Art
I have three new paintings of the famous Highland Cow, which are available to reserve through my publisher Creative Fine Art
These are all original oil paintings on canvas and will be presented in a simple float frame.
Here they are with some of the tweeds and tartans that help inspire my colour choices!
Swan Lake A Bespoke Painting
Swans on canvas
"Hi Sue, the painting has arrived!!!! It is so vibrant, beautiful, romantic, and loving. It is like a beautiful love song serenading us in the moonlight!!! Gorgeous!! It is our treasure. Thank you so much"
Lovely feedback! This commission was based on my original swan piece 'Together Again' which was painted a couple of years ago. The customer had seen it and set her heart on it although it was already sold, so I agreed to paint her a similar piece. She had a personal backstory as to why two greeting swans had a particular resonance for her. This project went very smoothly from start to finish. Even the courier delivered the painting in two days door to door to Georgia USA.
An Inquisitive Young Stag - Work in Progress
A Red Deer Stag in Acrylics
This is a new piece this week using acrylics. When I saw the photograph of this beautiful stag I just had to try and paint him. I feel another trip to the deer at Calke Abbey is in order! Or maybe Bradgate Valley. I took this painting on a day out yesterday , as i was live painting at the local garden centre - which was a beautiful experience and I finished this boy and named him ‘Inquisitive’. He is available for sale on my website now.
See my collection of Stag paintings here
My Colourful Hare Painting finds a New Home.
A colourful and textured hare painting finds a new home
This bright and breezy chap from last year is heading out to a wonderful new home this week. His new owner fell in love at first sight last Summer, and now he is hers.
I'm so pleased for them both.This is the second such story this month - it might be worth knowing that I can offer a layaway plan with instalments, so there is no need to miss out on a piece you really like when the budget doesn't quite allow you to take the plunge
.
Colourful Highland Cow Painting with Flowers!
A new Highland Cow painting on the easel this week
I love painting my Highland Cows in a folk art style, with the flowers and mosaic pieces. These paintings paint themselves and I have very little to do with it, we just go with the flow. I’m loving this girl with her jaunty hair and her jazzy background.
I have a collection of colourful Highlanc Cow prints on canvas available here - shipping worldwide!
Barn owl paintings for sale
Barn Owl Artwork for Sale - Add a Touch of Elegance to Your Home
Barn Owls are one of my favourite birds to paint, I just find them beautiful, elegant and mysterious.
I had the privilege of meeting and flying Barn Owls for the first time last month, at one of our local bird of prey sanctuaries. It was absolutely an incredible experience. I almost cried when they brought the first one in. I’ve painted them for years but have never seen one up close. I found out that the owls couldn’t actually see us, as it was daytime, but they could hear our heartbeats and were able to work out where we were from hearing us breathe. The flight is completely silent, we were asked to close our eyes as the owl flew between us. Although we could hear nothing as she flew by our heads, we could feel the wind from her wings. After this experience I love owls even more - so expect more owl paintings from me this year!
Looking for Owl Prints on Canvas? I have a selection here!
The flight is completely silent, we were asked to close our eyes as the owl flew between us. Although we could hear nothing as she flew by our heads, we could feel the wind from her wings. After this experience I love owls even more - so expect more owl paintings from me this year!
A Big Highland Cow Painting with a Contemporary Twist!
The new addition to my website this week is Loch Torridon, featuring a Highland Cow against a dramatic colourific background. This piece is the latest triptych piece - painted over three canvases that are designed to hang together with a small gap in between the panels. I decided to name her for a place that gets the most wonderful sunsets, a tribute to the beautiful bright glowing peachy colours.
I love the look of these pieces on three panels, I think it’s a gorgeous and modern look, in keeping with the luxurious use of colour. Have a closer look here
