Starting off a new year at CNWL Arts in Health, the Learning and Engagement team at Leighton House welcomed us with a personalised guided tour and relaxing workshop. Formerly the home of British Victorian painter and sculptor Frederic Leighton, the visit showcased the deep influence his travels had on him.
The first stop was the Arab Hall, with its name coming from the inspirations of Middle Eastern and North African artistry in its design. The room was lit with a chandelier, and its light reflected on the shimmering fountain below. The Narcissus Hall, which featured a sculpture of the Greek mythological figure ‘Narcissus’ was also closely connected. With both rooms, the group was drawn to the beautiful, blue tiles with hints of grey. Their colour and intricate designs added to the serene atmosphere of the halls. The next stop was the dining room. The combination of the red interior, chandeliers, candles and ceramics created a warm and welcoming ambience. A mixture of original Leighton pieces and imitations were dotted around the room.
Moving upstairs, we went to Leighton’s former study, the Silk Room, and artist's studio. The study featured a stage, piano, and paintings and sculptures inspired by Roman and Greek mythology. In contrast, the Silk Room had a classic Victorian interior. Finally, the artist studio was filled with natural light from the windows, shining a light on the easels and materials within the room.
The mono-printing workshop in the Learning Centre provided a relaxing finish to the afternoon. The group was able to design beautiful vases based on the patterns and designs we had seen throughout the visit. We want to thank Leighton House for taking time to guide us on a delightful tour of the museum.
If you are interested in hearing more about the work of Arts in Health, please do not hesitate to contact our team. You can email us on cnwlartsinhealth@nhs.net or visit our website.
