Faces of Change: Nature's Champions

From 23 March 2019 get face to face with champions of the natural world in a new exhibition opening at Dunham Massey in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery. From Sir David Attenborough and Linda McCartney to William Wordsworth and Octavia Hill, we will be celebrating those who have shaped the way we think about nature today.

The exhibition Faces of Change: Nature’s Champions will open for three months on 23 March. It will feature over 30 portraits including oil paintings, sculptures and photographs from the National Portrait Gallery Collection, as well as objects from our own collection that link Dunham Massey to the sitters.

Featured sitters include environmental activists, broadcasters, poets, politicians, campaigners, gardeners and scientists from the 19th century to the present day who have affected how we interact with our environment.

From broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, to the author of My Family and Other Animals, Gerald Durrell, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with the faces of those who’ve shaped the world we live in and discover their green legacy.

Other champions featured in the exhibition include Gardeners’ World presenter Roy Lancaster, who travelled the world on plant-finding expeditions, and environmentalist and champion of organic farming and gardening, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.

An oil painting of one of the founders of the National Trust, Octavia Hill, will also be on display along with a portrait of children’s writer, artist and conservationist Beatrix Potter. Other recognisable faces include: Chris Packham, Dame Vivienne Westwood and The Clash front man, Joe Strummer.

Dunham Massey is the first of three venues hosting the exhibition, when it will travel to Attingham, Shropshire on 22 June and Upton House, Warwickshire on 21 September.

Keep an eye out for walks, talks and events happening throughout the year to join in.