Continuing the programme of dramatic, spectacular exhibitions at Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens, Picture House saw the magnificent empty and austere nineteenth century Hall, fourteenth century castle and grade one listed gardens transformed by film directors, sound and music producers, performers, artists and fashion designers.
Picture House – Film, Art and Design at Belsay which opened on May 5th 2007 was developed over a three year period. Commissioned artists such as Viktor and Rolf, Mercury prize winner antony ( frontman of Antony and the Johnsons) and Tilda Swinton and John Byrne, all re-invented the rooms to breathe life into its empty interior. From silver plated ballgowns to eerie contraptions, from twisted forests to mournful song, this time round Belsay was full of ghosts, voice and visual magnificence.
Picture House is a major part of the English Heritage contemporary art and design programme operating in the north east. This was the fifth major project for Belsay, following on from Living at Belsay (1996), The Sitooteries (2000) Sitting Pretty (2002) and Fashion at Belsay (2004).
Picture House was curated for English Heritage by Judith King with three digital commissions curated by Juha Huuskonen for Dott07.
English Heritage would like to thank all the partners who worked alongside Picture House to create a fantastic exhibition.