SKETCHING IN THE GREAT HALL AT DARTINGTON
On Saturday morning we went to Dartington again to sketch. It was still very hot but starting to be overcast, and towards the end of the morning my hubby joined me inside, saying it was raining. Fortunately this shower was very short-lived, and the weather was fine and sunny again for the afternoon, but the temperature had dropped. This was great, as we spent the afternoon at the fete in the village where we used to live (I’ll do a separate post about that).
Sketching inside the Great Hall
This time I really wanted to sketch some details in the wonderful Great Hall. This place is very special to me. I attended the annual Summer School of Music many times over the years, first with Dad, and then on my own, and I have visited the estate since childhood.
During one Summer School, I was chosen by the singing teacher in the voice workshop to represent the class at the Student Concert at the end of the week. I stood alone on the platform to sing my solo, and it was one of the best moments of my life. I felt deeply privileged to be asked, especially as there were many more competent singers than me in the class.
The platform is a slightly raised area at the front end of the magnificent Mediaeval hall, in front of a huge fireplace. This was the subject of my first sketch.
After this, I drew one of the windows up at the front of the hall, with a suggestion (not drawn properly to scale unfortunately!) of the hammer-beam roof, and one of the banners. These were woven in the 1930s by Elizabeth Peacock, after the restoration of the Hall by the Elmhirsts, and each one depicts a different aspect of life on the estate.
I forgot to take any photos for reference, and looking back through my photos over the years, I don’t seem to have any of the interior of the hall – just the gardens. Definitely something to remedy during our next visit. There are plenty of photos online if anyone is interested.
When we’d finished sketching, we went to the Sea Trout at Staverton (one of our favourite eating places) for lunch, then off to the village fete.
