New Perspectives in Country House Studies

September 21 – 25, 2025

Based in Yorkshire, this intensive five-day themed short course led by Elizabeth Jamieson and course co-ordinator Rita Grudzień will focus on a series of new and emerging perspectives that are currently informing country house studies. Like all Attingham courses, the study of the architecture, interiors and objects in situ will drive the programme. It is intended for anyone who has a professional or academic interest in the arts and heritage, and we welcome all applications including those at the early stages of their career, in the process of completing their academic studies, and from backgrounds underrepresented in this field.

The themes to be explored cover a wide range of topics, each informed by the historic houses we visit. We will be looking at the global and colonial contexts of objects; we will focus on craftspeople and makers, both then and now; we will look at women as patrons, as collectors and as instigators of change in the country house; we will examine how the buildings were actually lived and worked in, and how they reflect both the lives of their occupants and wider social change. The course will encourage discussion and reflection, and it is hoped that members will participate fully in the debates.

We will explore a series of large and smaller Yorkshire country houses in different types of ownership to consider their contents, architecture and wider landscapes from multiple viewpoints.  Houses are likely to include Castle Howard, Wentworth Woodhouse, Shibden Hall, Burton Constable Hall, Kiplin Hall and Harewood House and, as with all Attingham programs, we will be supported by a team of expert lecturers and onsite speakers.

For full course details and application instructions, please visit the link below. You will be redirected to the Attingham Trust website.

New Perspectives Information and Application

Applications Now Open

Deadline: February 14, 2025

US-based applicants who wish to apply for scholarship assistance may do so through the link below:

Scholarship Application Form

Applications Now Open

Deadline: February 14, 2025

Image Credit: Detail from a painted scroll showing a Joseon Tongsinsa (goodwill mission) to Japan from Korea, 18th century, Kilpin Hall and Gardens in North Yorkshire.