White Cube at Claydon is a landmark exhibition bringing together leading contemporary artists with the historic interiors and gardens of Claydon House in Buckinghamshire. This ambitious collaboration between White Cube, the National Trust and the Verney family marks the first time an international contemporary art exhibition of this scale has been presented at the 18th century mansion.
Artists including Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, David Altmejd, El Anatsui, Cai Guo-Qiang, Julie Curtiss, Enrico David, Tracey Emin, Cerith Wyn Evans, Antony Gormley, Mona Hatoum, Marguerite Humeau, Richard Hunt, Anselm Kiefer, Rachel Kneebone, Isamu Noguchi, Minoru Nomata, Gabriel Orozco, Virginia Overton, Cinga Samson, Raqib Shaw, TARWUK, Danh Voh and Jeff Wall, between them represent an astonishing breadth of approaches to sculpture, photography, painting and installation. The opportunity to see their works in one of Britain’s most distinctive country houses creates a dynamic and thought‑provoking experience.
Claydon’s extraordinary rococo interiors become atmospheric gallery spaces, and beyond the house, Claydon’s south-facing gardens become a natural stage for sculpture. Visitors will move through a sequence of settings where contemporary artworks respond to, contrast with or amplify the historic character of one of England’s finest 18th century homes, rebuilt twice on a site occupied by the Verney family since 1620.
Nicholas Verney, heir apparent and Managing Partner at the Claydon Estate has said, “It is a great pleasure to support this remarkable exhibition by welcoming works from White Cube artists into our family gardens at Claydon. We have never before hosted an international exhibition of this stature here, and the opportunity is incredibly exciting. I hope this collaboration between the National Trust and White Cube will not only introduce visitors to significant contemporary artworks but also inspire them to explore and appreciate the unique heritage and beauty of Claydon’s setting.”
Two of Claydon’s cherished private gardens will be made accessible to exhibition visitors: the walled Pool Garden and the Florence Nightingale Garden. These secluded spaces, rarely seen by the public, will host sculptures by Marguerite Humeau and Virginia Overton, both of which engage with themes of nature, form and transformation.
Claydon House has been in the care of the National Trust since 1956, and this exhibition forms part of the organisation’s commitment to opening up its places in new and imaginative ways. Tanya Brittain, General Manager of the National Trust’s Aylesbury Vale property group, added, “At the National Trust, we’re committed to opening up our places in ways that spark curiosity and deepen people’s connection to heritage. This collaboration with White Cube and the Verney family is an exciting example of that ambition. Bringing contemporary art by global artists into Claydon’s historic house and gardens offers a new and inspiring experience, and we’re thrilled to be sharing it with our visitors.”
Since its inception in 1993, White Cube – one of the world’s leading art galleries – has exhibited the work of many of the world’s most highly acclaimed contemporary artists at spaces including London, Hong Kong, Paris, New York and Seoul. White Cube at Claydon promises an unforgettable experience where art, nature and imagination meet, offering visitors a fresh perspective on Claydon’s history, landscape and enduring creative spirit.
Tickets available (Friday/Saturday/Sunday/Monday) until 14 September.
Claydon House, Middle Claydon, Buckingham MK18 2EY
To book visit nationaltrust.org.uk/claydon
