Students as Renaissance models and "Georgian bling": How young artists drew inspiration for new Wentworth Woodhouse showcase

Wentworth Woodhouse’s illustrious past inspired Rotherham art and design students from Rotherham College and UCR to create their own display at the 18th-century mansion.

The resulting Inspiring Heritage exhibition, which runs until March 28, includes sculptures, tapestries, oil paintings, collages, photography and digital artworks.

Among those taking part was Caden Pratt (pictured), a Level 3 Art and Design student who painted Renaissance-style portraits of his friends.

“I've grown up around Wentworth Woodhouse,” he said.

“It’s an iconic building. I feel incredibly honoured to have this opportunity.”

The mansion’s chapel is the setting for work by fashion students, who used modern ideas and materials to create outfits inspired by Georgian style.

One of those involved, Danni Ward, said: “It’s been a great opportunity, having my work displayed at Wentworth Woodhouse.

“I based my designs on corsets, a key element of the Georgian period, and fairy skirts, as they were called, with further inspiration from the Lolita style.”

Steve Ash, head of the volunteer digital team at Wentworth, said: “We’ve been working with students from these two Rotherham education sites for a few years now.

“We were keen to learn how young minds might be inspired by Wentworth Woodhouse and its stories so we gave the students three themes — Wealth and Power, The Role of Women and Georgian Bling — and their hugely impressive creations now form the Inspiring Heritage Exhibition.”

A promotional video for the exhibition can be seen at www.youtube.com/c/wentworthwoodhouse1 made a Georgian gown using authentic techniques and materials, which has gone on show alongside a video telling the story.

“The idea was that my dress would be an example of the 18th-century garments the students have riffed on in their versions; kind of past and future,” she said.

The experienced dancer and choreographer, who also has a graduate diploma in heritage conservation, created her gown from a pair of old curtains she found in a French flea market 12 years ago. "

“First I had to create the underpinnings — petticoats, stays (or corset as we now know them) and panniers which hold the dress out at the sides,” she added.

“The stays were pretty mind-boggling. I used patterns I found online, including one from 1776 and it took many hours and the study of numerous YouTube videos to complete them.

“After that, I felt I could make just about anything.”

Deborah danced in the famed Marble Saloon wearing her gown for the video.

“Tthat was a wonderful experience and my outfit was surprisingly comfortable,” she said.

“The panniers made me feel buoyant and afloat as I sailed around the room.”