Chinthurst Hill Art Fair: Behind the Scenes with James Elwes & Anna Hunter
December 1st sees the launch of Chinthurst Hill Art Week, the inaugural event in what is sure to be a stunning programme of events based around an extraordinary space in Surrey.
Running until December 7th, Chinthurst Art Week will encompass live talks, tours, a supper club and world class art from Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and HRH The Prince of Wales. The event will benefit Seb's Projects India.
After Nyne went behind the scenes of Chinthurst Hill Art Week to meet with James Elwes of the Chinthurst Hill Commitee and Anna Hunter of Belgravia Gallery to find out the history behind Chinthurst Hill, and what we can expect from the inaugural event.
JAMES ELWES
James, give us an overview of the history of Chinthurst.
Chinthurst Hill is Sir Edwin Lutyens first major commission. Set high on a hill overlooking the Weald, it features a Gertrude Jekyll garden and stunning architecture including a rare example of the architect using tracery windows. The house is more akin to arts and crafts than his later iconic style.
The idea is to make this extraordinary venue a new ‘must-see’ arts hub -what factors have you had to take into consideration in developing the project?
We've had great fun introducing new elements into Art Week that the Gallery hasn't done before. Its great to be working with a team that doesn't shy away from moving beyond a tried and tested model. The bravery of the gallery's directors is the key consideration and they have it in spades!
Who has been involved bringing the project to fruition?
London has been the Galley's centre of operations for a long time so we made a decision early on to put together a Surrey based committee to help support our first event. The members have been invaluable, helping us make all sorts of connections and giving us vital insight.
You’re launching with Chinthurst Art Week. What are the highlights of this event?
I'm really excited about the Supper Club we are hosting in collaboration with award winning local pop-up Surrey Spice. They are a really creative in their approach and their food is outstanding. I'm also looking forward to trying Chinthurst Hill's own wine. We will be uncorking their very first batch next weekend!
What can we expect from Chinthurst in the coming year?
2017 is a very exciting year for Chinthurst. We will be looking to try new things and perfect others. There will be collaborations, first rate art, events, talks and projects aplenty.
Do you think it’s difficult for projects such as yours to thrive in difficult economic times? How do you overcome this?
Having graduated around the time of the recession, I sometimes feel like I have been hot-wired to work with economy in mind! Seriously though, its great to be working with a Gallery that is successful and experienced. The confidence they foster is key.
Tell us about your own background.
I trained in art and art history (the latter was brilliant education and it's a disgrace that its been stripped off the school syllabus), worked in art and advertising before setting up a commissioning agency (ELX Art) with a former colleague as well as the Whithurst Park Art Fair. I am now a Creative Producer.
How important to you is the charitable angle of the project?
Very important. Its a great motivation to do the best we can
ANNA HUNTER
Anna, how did you come to be involved in this project?
I have owned and been restoring Chinthurst Hill since 1999 and it has for many years been filled with art from our Mayfair gallery.
How, in your opinion, do you bring the heritage of Chinthurst into play in crafting its future?
We plan to bring a varied programme of exhibitions and events which will be appropriate for the house and garden.
What are your own personal highlights of Chinthurst Art Week?
We always enjoy meeting clients who are interested in collecting paintings and sculpture for their homes. We are happy to visit and advise. We look forward to watching the sculptor Ian Thompson create a new work and to hearing John Illsley speak about his life and his paintings.
What would you like the public to take away from the Chinthurst Art Week experience?
Two things. Art is best seen in a home setting rather than a gallery space. Art in our homes enriches our lives every day.
Tell us about the Sebastian Hunter Memorial Trust; how does the purpose of the charity tie in with the Committee’s plans for Chinthurst
This was started in 2002 following the death of my son Sebastian. We build schools and support livelihood projects in poor and remote areas of Tamil Nadu. Art and event sales from Chinthurst Hill and donations have been important in raising awareness and generating income to support this work. Find out more here www.sebsprojectsindia.org and here www.sebsschools.org
For more information on the full programme of events at Chinthurst Hill, visit http://www.chinthursthill.co.uk/
