The Big Draw comes to Knightshayes

This autumn, Knightshayes near Tiverton is taking part in the ‘The Big Draw’. This is the first time Knightshayes has been part of this national art project and staff and volunteers want to encourage everyone, whatever their artistic ability, to get creative and draw something special they love about Knightshayes.

On Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October, between 11am and 4pm, Knightshayes visitors will create a very long continuous line drawing inspired by the beautiful parkland, colourful gardens, or the gothic revival buildings on the state.

Rachael Hall, Learning and Engagement officer for Knightshayes said: "The Big Draw is such a great campaign that we really wanted to get involved and help our visitors share, through drawing, what they think is special about our place. Each visitor has their own ideas about what they love about Knightshayes, so to record these in a huge continuous line drawing is going to be very exciting. We want to create a piece of art which is for everyone, so we are inviting everyone to add to it. I hope that visitors of all ages, whether they are fine artists or just like to doodle, will make their contribution."

Local schools are also joining in with the arty fun. Heathcoat Primary School, St John’s Catholic Primary and Bickleigh School are helping to add to the long piece of art by attending drawing workshops at Knightshayes and creating drawings at school.

When the Big Draw weekend is over, the long artwork will be rolled onto an original spool from the Heathcoat lace-making factory in Tiverton. Displayed at Knightshayes along with a video of the drawings made by visitors, the spool will remind visitors that factory-produced lace was the innovation that helped to fund the Heathcoat family’s grand country estate.

The activity is free, but regular admission applies. Please contact Knightshayes Learning and Engagement Officer at: Rachael.hall1@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01884 254665.