Artist Unlocks Hidden Stories of Astley Hall

It's at least two years since we started to work with Preston based artist Rebecca Chesney, but with lockdowns and other delays, the project felt further and further away. Finally, thanks to the tenacity of the artist and the patience of Arts Council England, we are finally reaping the benefits, including this climactic contemporary exhibition. Rebecca's exhibition inextricably weaves together the threats of various stories for a breathtaking display. Her ability to make our museum objects talk to visitors is truly jaw-dropping and riveting.

She has explored and interrogated the narrative behind many of our displays including sampler tapestries, taper burns (or witch marks), carvings, paintings and even the natural landscapes around the Hall, on a level never seen before. It's a truly inspirational project, one that myself and the staff are extremely proud of. Why not come along and discover the unknown lady in the painting; explore the story of Judith and Holofernes and have your spine chilled about Astley's protection against witchcraft. Our thanks go to Rebecca Chesney and Arts Council England for helping to bring high quality contemporary art to Central Lancashire. Exhibition opens this Saturday. #astleyhall #artscouncilengland #historichouses #countryhouse #contemporaryartintraditionalspaces #chorleycouncil #rebeccachesney