“Artist in Residence at Knowsley Hall"
At the beginning of 2025, I was appointed as the ‘Artist in Residence’ at historic Knowsley Hall. My work here will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the year of the birth of the 13th Earl of Derby and celebrate his significant contribution to Natural History.
The Countess of Derby has launched an innovative History programme that aims to inspire, entertain, and educate by bringing to life 600 years of British history through the fascinating stories of the Derby family and their ancestral home, Knowsley Hall. This programme will offer a fresh perspective on British history, showcasing the pivotal role the Derby family has played in shaping political, cultural, and artistic life across the centuries. Discover captivating narratives from leading historians, writers, and art historians.
This inspiring new programme begins in 2025 with the Knowsley Hall History Study Days. Curated and hosted by the Countess of Derby, the event is a series of four study days that will delve into the rich and fascinating history of the Derby family, bringing together leading academics and acclaimed writers. The first study days in July were two captivating events: The Derby Women Celebrating the Women in the House of Stanley on 3rd July; followed by an insight into the key figures in The Men Who Lost America on the day of the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence 4th July.
On the 15th and 16th of October, the programme continues with two reflective sessions: The Life and Legacy of the 13th Earl of Derby and The Life and Legacy of the 14th Earl of Derby, celebrating the enduring impact of these influential figures who both held a profound belief in the importance of education for social mobility.
If you are interested in a spot on either or both of the study days, at beautiful Knowsley Hall, please take a look HERE
During the first study day, I am delighted to be demonstrating a live painting, in watercolour. The piece will showcase an iconic, current botanical specimen from the estate in 2025. The demonstration will give an insight into my process and technique.
An exclusive study day focusing on the life and legacy of the 13th Earl of Derby: natural historian and patron of the watercolourist Edward Lear:
Speakers:
Lady Derby
Dr Alan Crosby – The early life of the 13th Earl and his interests, family and passion for Natural History
Dr Clemency Fisher – Was this the biggest Zoo on Earth? And The continuing importance to science of the 13th Earl of Derby’s zoological museum
Jenny Uglow – The Gleanings of the Menagerie 1846 & 1850 and Edward Lear
Dr Xanthe Brooke – The 13th Earl’s Collection of Miniatures and Paintings
Frank Cottrell Boyce – 2024 Children’s Poet Laureate on the limericks and their legacy – “How Pleasant to Know Mr Lear”
As a botanical artist, working amidst the history of the Earl’s life’s work here and his sponsorship of artist Edward Lear, is a dream come true. I am immersed in a wonderful, rich history of the subject I adore. It is so exciting every day to walk in the very footsteps of Edward Lear and learn more about the impactful work of the 13th Earl.
Knowsley Hall Estate itself is simply breathtaking. It feels simultaneously immaculately maintained yet untouched, with nature flourishing everywhere. On a practical level, both Lord and Lady Derby, together, have a real love for and knowledge of the wildlife here, and this energy remains a driving force at the estate.
The collection explores some of the most iconic and historic plant life from the estate and some significant touches from across the wider region. The paintings reflect the style, clarity and detail of traditional botanical illustration to inform and inspire the viewer, yet will offer a contemporary sense of realism both in the watercolour technique and the subject representation. I truly thought long and hard about what I might possibly be able to contribute to the substantial art collection already curated here at Knowsley Hall. I hope to carefully and truthfully depict some of the specimens here today, which are a true reflection of the beautiful grounds and gardens. My works seek to explore and accurately capture the three-dimensional structure, the weight and physics of the plant, as well as a real focus on the surface qualities of each part of the structure.
The paintings will be exhibited in 2026. Limited edition giclee prints will be available. To follow my journey at Knowsley Hall, please follow my Instagram page at @suemchugh_watercolours
In planning are:
Knowsley Hall Kitchen Garden: ‘The Fig Tree in the glass greenhouse’, Peaches, Sweet peas
Formal Gardens: Lavender, Lady Derby’s Dahlia and Roses, Yew Topiary, Wisteria
Grounds: Plane Tree at the Hall’, Ancient Lime Tree’ by the Octagon ponds’ Wild Foxglove, giant Gunnera