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Artists take over stately home gardens

Paul Box Bex Glover's painting of deer and Ashridge HousePaul Box
Bex Glover took inspiration from her surroundings by painting Ashridge House and the nature surrounding it

A group of artists said they were left feeling lucky and inspired after spending the afternoon working with a Grade I-listed house as the backdrop.

Ashridge House, near Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, was once home to Henry VIII but has been transformed into a hub for artists to showcase their talent for the next few weeks.

Work from artists including Liam Bononi, WRDSMTH and Curtis Hylton went on display across 190 acres (77 hectares) of the Grade II-listed gardens surrounding the house.

Artist Anna Higgie said: "It is so lovely to be here; it is so beautiful. I am used to painting in the city on polluted streets or busy festival sites, so to be here in the beautiful gardens is such a treat."

Paul Box A big piece of art. It is red, pink and blue. Red flowers with blue butterflies have been painted on to a pink canvas.Paul Box
Anna Higgie created artwork consisting flowers and butterflies and said Ashridge's grounds had been very inspiring

She added: "It is such an inspiring place to be; there is just detail everywhere."

Higgie said it had been great meeting other artists as the pursuit was often quite solitary.

"It is just really nice to be doing something social and meeting other people and having nerdy conversations with other artists about materials," she said.

Liam Bonani Liam Bononi artwork. A drawing of a boy with his chin leaning on his left wrist and looking sombre. In front of him is a glass vase and behind him is a big building.Liam Bonani
Contemporary artist Liam Bononi, known for creating hyper-realistic portraits, is one of 20 creating bespoke works for Ashridge House
Ashridge House Ashridge House with a lake and greenery surrounding it Ashridge House
The initiative has given 20 artists the opportunity to showcase their artwork at Ashridge House

Bex Glover, who was painting Ashridge House, alongside the nature surrounding the building, said: "It is amazing painting in this environment; it is really relaxing and really inspiring."

The property has collaborated with Bristol-based Upfest which began in 2008 and now showcases 400 artists.

Upfest Art House opened on 4 August and is set to run until 15 September.

Ashridge House Overview of Ashridge House and the gardens it is surrounded byAshridge House
The Grade I-listed building currently houses a business school and is also an events and wedding venue

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