Rediscovering Samuel Rayner’s Haddon Hall

Image: Samuel Rayner sketched Haddon Hall in the 19th century

A fascinating exhibition bringing together the work of 21st century photographers and 19th century artists is coming to Bakewell in November.

The exhibition, titled ‘Samuel Rayner’s Haddon Hall – Revisited’ looks at the work of Samuel Rayner, a Bakewell artist and author, who in the early part of the 19th century studied the architectural details of Haddon Hall, near Bakewell.

Nearly two hundred years later, and using cameras, the Peak Gallery photographers have revisited Rayner’s draughtsmanship to recreate scenes from the exquisite lithographs that were published in ‘The History and Antiquities of Haddon Hall’, 1835. The photographers spent several months visiting Haddon to match their images to Rayner’s drawings of the Hall’s ancient architecture, as accurately as possible.

Photographer Chris Gilbert explained the inspiration behind the exhibition. “Rayner was living and working in the Peak District when he created his drawings and we felt that it was important to bring Rayner and his family’s work back into the public eye.”

The exhibition displays around 20 of Rayner’s Haddon sketches along with modern photographs of the same sites. It can be seen in the Peak Gallery at Bakewell visitor centre from Tuesday November 10 to Tuesday December 1. Entry is free of charge.

The exhibition is fully accessible and is open every day from 9.30am to 5pm.

People can keep up to date with what’s on at the photography gallery at www.peakgallery.co.uk

For more details call Bakewell visitor centre on 01629 816558.

Rayner exhibition poster