Tatton Park’s 18th century mansion houses a number of precious and historical works of art from the 14th to 20th century, including paintings by Canaletto, Van Dyck, Chardin and Guercino (as part of the Egerton family’s diverse collection).
This year, Tatton is delighted to add a temporary addition to this collection – a wonderful illustration of the mansion by one of the world’s most iconic illustrators, Sir Quentin Blake. Known for his instantly recognisable drawing style, Blake is most famous for collaborating with Roald Dahl, having illustrated many of the author’s books.
Part of Roald Dahl’s Tremendous Adventures at Tatton Park*- a celebration of 100 years since Dahl was born – the illustration is currently on display in the mansion’s library for visitors to see.
The mansion was completed around 1780, having been designed by architect Samuel Wyatt and his nephew Lewis William Wyatt. In spite of its stature and grand appearance, the famous building has very rarely been illustrated. The most notable is a watercolour by JC Buckler, 1820 which is currently on display in the mansion’s Egerton exhibition room.
At the end of this year, Sir Quentin Blake’s illustration will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity – a charity dedicated to improving the lives of seriously ill children in the UK.
Carole Mullinuex, Tatton Park’s Business Development Manager, commented: “We were delighted when we heard that Sir Quentin had offered to interpret our mansion in his wonderfully recognisable style and we’re even more thrilled to be able to share this with our visitors by displaying it in our mansion. Supporting Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s charity at the end of the year will be a superbly fitting outcome.”
Sir Quentin Blake commented: “I’m very proud to be given another opportunity to help celebrate Roald Dahl’s amazing centenary year, and at the same time benefit the work of Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.”