Traveller's World - Leeds - Harewood House

Leeds - Harewood House

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Harewood House

An architectural masterpiece and the Yorkshire home of the Earl and Countess of Harewood, this is one of the north's most famous attractions for visitors.

Attendance figures of over 300,000 per year are due in no small part to a series of continuing developments in the house, including a new display of watercolours and improved facilities in the famous Bird Garden - for 30 years a major part of any visit to this splendid mansion.

Harewood was designed by John Carr of York and built over a period of 13 years between 1759 and 1772. The spectacular Gallery, one of the Scottish architect Robert Adams's most magnificent decorative schemes, is the setting for the renowned Harewood programme of chamber music.

The rooms are hung with distinguished family portraits painted by such notable 18th century artists as Reynolds, Gainsborough, Romney, Hoppner and Lawrence, landscapes by Turner and Girtin and Renaissance masterpieces by Bellini, El Greco, Tintoretto, Titian and Veronese.

A remarkable collection of fine Chinese porcelain and outstanding Sevres and Crown Derby china is displayed throughout the house, at times upon the priceless examples of furniture made especially for Harewood by Thomas Chippendale (born a few miles away at Otley). The 1,000 acre grounds and gardens were designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown.

Watercolour Rooms

Two Watercolour Rooms display a collection of works by some of Britain's greatest exponents. Paintings by Turner, Girtin and Varley feature with lesser known but artistically important works by others associated with the early days of the Harewood Estate.

Terrace Gallery

The renowned Terrace Gallery, which plays an important role in the promotion of contemporary art from all over the world, is currently linked with the theme of the watercolour rooms- Nothern Prospects aims to show some of the exciting developments in landscape painting by artists living and working in the region today.

Special Events

As well as all the permanent attractions, there are additional highlights which provide something special for everyone. Steam rallies, craft festivals and country fairs are among the pursuits and quality events that are part of the Harewood scene each year.

Bird Garden

A haven for exotic species, here you will come face to face with penguins, flamingos, owls, parrots, or even the rarest pigeon of the world. There are other extremely rare birds like Bali starlings and Palawan peacock pheasants which the Bird Garden has successfully bred as part of its conservation and breeding programme.

And of course, the parklands, lake and gardens provide sanctuary for thousands of wild birds, which you can discover as you walk around.

Click on their logo below to visit the official web site.

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