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20 Jun Tue 2023

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The Design for Life exhibition features over twenty international artists, architects and designers, alongside historical works from the Hestercombe Collection.

The majority of works are drawn from two major collections: Drawing Matter, an organisation that explores the role of drawing in architectural thought and practice, with a collection of many - thousand architectural drawings, dating from the sixteenth century to the present day and from The David and Indrė Roberts Collection which is rooted in a passion for contemporary art and an ambition to share extraordinary work by over 850 of the world’s most influential artists. Both organisations will be represented at this event.

Contributors to this event include: artists Keith Coventry; Toni Davey; Megan Calver with Jon England; architect Tony Fretton; Niall Hobhouse, Director of Drawing Matter; and Kate Davies, Director of The Roberts Institute of Art.

Refreshments will be provided.

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Arcadian Visions: The art of Coplestone Warre Bampfylde

Discover the world of Coplestone Warre Bampfylde — artist, traveller and garden designer. Born at Hestercombe in 1720, Bampfylde found lifelong inspiration in the landscapes around him. His paintings range from grand, classical scenes to lively views of Britain’s coasts and countryside, capturing both real places and imagined worlds. This exhibition brings together his remarkable work, inviting visitors of all ages to explore the beauty of landscape through eighteenth-century eyes.

CWB 2 68b Portrait of C W Bampfylde by J Wootton c 1740

Layers of Time: The Gardens of Hestercombe

Hestercombe is more than a garden — it is a landscape shaped by visionaries, caretakers and changing ideas across four centuries. This exhibition explores that story, from its early formal beginnings to the sweeping eighteenth-century landscape, the artistry of the Edwardian terraces, and the remarkable restoration that has brought them back to life. Through images and interpretation, discover how each generation has left its mark on this Somerset estate — creating a place where history, design and nature exist in layers, still unfolding today.

March is Members' Month

A thank you to our members this March

Shared Light

Shared Light is a photographic exhibition celebrating the creative partnership between Hestercombe and Reflect, and the beauty of sharing place, perspective and possibility.

Climate Resilient Gardening

Saturday, March 7, 2026 · 10am - 3pm This in depth workshop details the steps toward regenerative soil, reduced irrigation & increased biodiversity, whilst boosting crops

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The second in a series of exhibitions, walks and writings at Hestercombe by artist and writer Lizzie Philps.

Jackson’s : Plein Air Day

We’re delighted to partner with Jackson’s for a special Plein Air Day on 10th April, for a creative day of outdoor art-making in the grounds of Hestercombe Gardens. Whether you're a seasoned painter or picking up a sketchbook for the first time, this relaxed plein air event is open to all artists and art-lovers of all ages and skill levels.

Kitchen Garden Design

You already have a space for growing food, and you would like help designing it!

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Event Location

Hestercombe Gallery
Hestercombe Gardens
Cheddon Fitzpaine
Taunton
Somerset
TA2 8LG

What's On

2026 dates for your calendar

Design for Life Conversations Event

This event brings together artists, architects and curators to discuss their work, collections and themes in the current ‘Design for Life’ exhibition, which visually explores the historical intersection of art and architecture from the past 65 years.

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