‘Beningbrough is a place for daydreams,’ says Whispers Of The Wilderness willow sculptor Laura Ellen Bacon

Willow sculptor Laura Ellen Bacon at her Whispers Of The Wilderness exhibition. Picture: National Trust/Anthony Chappel-Ross

DO Laura Ellen Bacon’s willow sculptures draw nature into Beningbrough Hall’s Reddihough Galleries and Great Hall or reach out to the grounds beyond the walls?

You decide, when encountering the National Trust’s exhibition, Whispers Of The Wilderness: Exploring Wilderness Gardens.

On show until April 12 2026, this immersive exhibition invites visitors to explore the dynamic relationship between art and nature through contemporary sculpture, historic artefacts and interactive experiences.

Curated to coincide with garden designer Andy Sturgeon’s transformative work on Beningbrough’s Wilderness Garden, the exhibition features the Derbyshire artist’s large-scale willow works, whose organic, flowing forms bring the essence of the Wilderness Garden indoors, evoking movement, energy and the untamed beauty of nature.

“It was a joy to discover Beningbrough across various seasons while designing and making the work,” says Laura, who has complemented her sculptures with new drawings in graphite on paper, inspired by Beningbrough and existing sculptures, with such titles as Bud, Unfurl, Whispers and Emergence, plus her original exhibition sketchbook.

“My imagination has drifted easily in the gentle landscape and within the lamp-lit interior views. Beningbrough is a place for daydreams.” 

Drawing in the Drawing Studio with artist Tanya Raabe-Webber at Beningbrough Hall’s Whispers Of The Wilderness exhibition. Picture: National Trust/Anthony Chappel-Ross

Utilising willow from Musgrove Willows, in Somerset, exhibition highlights include two woven sculptures, entitled Whispers, in the Great Hall that spill over plinths – the size of the plinths on the 1841 map of Beningbrough’s Wilderness Garden – suggesting  wild grasses swaying in the wind. Together with a monumental willow thicket in the Saloon Gallery, they invite visitors to step inside and reflect on nature’s resilience.

Look out too for nine historic pieces from the National Trust collection, tracing the 18th-century fascination with wilderness gardens as sensory retreats.

In addition, visitors can engage creatively in the new Drawing Studio, designed by artist Tanya Raabe-Webber, where all ages and abilities are encouraged to sketch, collaborate, and contribute to the exhibition.

Monthly artist-led sessions and talks will allow visitors an opportunity to delve deeper into the different elements of the exhibition.

The exhibition experience is designed to engage all the senses, with fragrant willow installations, touch spaces to explore weaving techniques, an audio chair featuring literary excerpts from Jane Austen’s novels Pride And Prejudice and Mansfield Park, poetry by CE Lansdowne and Arabella Green, and The Sounds of Nature soundscape inspired by the exhibition.

Outside, visitors can discover Beningbrough’s own Wilderness Garden, the latest area being redeveloped with improved paths, seating, views and planting, all part of Andy Sturgeon’s long-term vision for the garden.

Close-up of Whispers, willow sculptor Laura Ellen Bacon’s works on plinths in the Great Hall at Beningbrough Hall. Picture: National Trust/Anthony Chappel-Ross

Laura Turner, creative producer for the National Trust, says: “I’ve been working at Beningbrough for three years, and before that it was very much a space for showing paintings, but I wanted to invite artists to respond to this space with installation pieces.  

“When we were commissioning for this exhibition, we really wanted an artist we felt could respond to the Wilderness Garden, so we shortlisted four artists that specialised either in work in natural materials or had a direct connection to nature.

“We used exhibition staff and volunteers to make the final decision after each artist put forward a formal proposal, so the staff  have been involved from start to finish, including the exhibition design, such as the wooden title frames.”

The final choice was Laura Ellen Bacon, who grew up on a Derbyshire fruit farm with free rein to explore and to build secret and ever more ambitious dens. “I think Laura’s sculptures will really excite and surprise our visitors,” says Turner.

“Made in response to both the Wilderness Garden and the exhibition space, this exhibition is a celebration of creativity, heritage and the natural world. It’s a chance for visitors to connect with Beningbrough’s past and present through art that speaks to the soul.”

Turner highlights the impact of Thicket, Bacon’s sculpture in the Saloon, made from 30 willow bundles. “It hugs the wall, as if pointing towards the Wilderness Garden. It’s almost as though it’s leading you to that space, but equally it feels it comes from that space,” she says.

Laura Ellen Bacon with her willow sculpture Thicket in the Saloon at Beningbrough Hall. Picture: National Trust/Anthony Chappel-Ross

“I love how she has called two sculptures ‘Whispers’ because there’s something lovely about gardens whispering to you, calling to you to go out into there.”

Bacon has worked in willow for more than 20 years, developing her own technique to create ambitious forms that draw on her love of drawing and buildings, inspired by her architect father, who painted abstract works prolifically.

Her work has been exhibited at Chatsworth, the Holburne Museum in Bath, Denver Art Museum and most recently in the Chapel at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, near Wakefield (from April to September 7 this year).

She is delighted to be exhibiting at a National Trust property. “I’ve been a member of the National Trust since I was a teenager, going to so many with my [late] mum, mainly in Derbyshire,” says Bacon.

“My dad worked in the architect department for Derby County Council, where she would take him his sandwiches, and she used to say that if you listened carefully, you could hear the swish of ladies’ ballgowns on the walls, so I’ve always been interested in the idea that buildings hold things within the walls.”

As for Bacon’s answer to the opening question: “It’s up to the viewer to decide whether the garden is coming into the hall or the sculptures are leading out into the garden,” she says.

Beningbrough Hall is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, during September. For more information and further opening hours, or to plan a visit, go to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough.

Laura Ellen Bacon’s willow sculpture Thicket, weaving its way up the Saloon wall at Beningbrough Hall. Picture: National Trust/Anthony Chappel-Ross

Did you know?

THE Reddihough Galleries on the first floor of Beningbrough Hall are named in honour of the late Mr Ian Reddihough, a passionate supporter of the National Trust charity. His legacy gift enables Beningbrough to continue to showcase high-quality art that reflects the hall’s rich history and evolving landscape.

Did you know too?

TO provide a framework for the Thicket sculpture in the Saloon, artist Laura Ellen Bacon made hundreds of simple loop structures, which are then joined together, using willow to weave and knot together.  The sculptures take hundreds of hours to create.

How is willow turned into a sculpture?

“IN order for the willow to be supple enough to work with, you put the willow bundles in water for a week, which makes it more malleable to shape it,” says Laura Turner.

Musgrove Willows uses both modern and traditional techniques to harvest, sort, grade and process the willow. Different willows have a different quality, scent and appearance, Old French and Dickie Meadow among them.

More Things To Do in York & beyond when willow whispers and cinema pops outdoors. Hutch’s List No.39, from The York Press

Willow artist Laura Ellen Bacon in the saloon at her Whispers Of The Wilderness exhibition at Beningbrough Hall. Picture: Anthony Chappel-Ross

WILLOW sculptures, outdoor cinema, musical premieres and the Yellow Brick Road are beckoning Charles Hutchinson. 

Exhibition opening of the week: Laura Ellen Bacon, Whispers Of The Wilderness, Exploring Wilderness Gardens, Beningbrough Hall, near York, until April 12 2026, Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm

WHISPERS Of The Wilderness brings together contemporary large-scale willow sculptures by Laura Ellen Bacon, historic pieces from across the National Trust collection to showcase Wilderness Gardens through time and a new drawing studio designed by artist Tanya Raabe-Webber.

Complemented by a new soundscape, audio chair, sketches of the developing sculptures and more, the exhibition is a sensory experience across the first-floor Reddihough Galleries and Great Hall. Tickets: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/beningbrough.  

Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles in 10 Things I Hate About You, Sunday’s screening at Picturehouse Outdoor Cinema at York Museum Gardens

Film event of the week: City Screen Picturehouse presents Picturehouse Outdoor Cinema, York Museum Gardens, York, Stop Making Sense (PG), tonight, 6.30pm; 10 Things I Hate About You (12A), Sunday, 6.30pm

JONATHAN Demme’s Stop Making Sense, capturing David Byrne’s Talking Heads in perpetual motion at Hollywood’s Panatges Theatre in December 1983, re-emerges in a 40th anniversary restoration of “the greatest concert film of all time”.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Allison Janney, Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger star in 10 Things I Hate About You, wherein Cameron falls for Bianca on the first day of school, but not only his uncool status stops him from asking her out. Blankets, cushions and small camping chairs are allowed. Box office: picturehouses.com/outdoor-cinema/venue/york-museum-gardens.

Hal Cruttenden: Reflecting on the insanity of modern politics at Burning Duck Comedy Club. Picture: Matt Crockett

“Take no prisoners” gig of the week: Hal Cruttenden Can Dish It Out But Can’t Take It, Theatre@41, Monkgate, York, tonight, 8pm

HAL Cruttenden promises to stick it to ‘The Man’, as long as ‘The Man’ does not stick it back to him. Expect hard-hitting pontificating on middle-aged dating, social media, the insanity of modern politics and his daughters loving him but not respecting him. Box office: tickets.41monkgate.co.uk.

Artist Kerry Ann Moffat with her oil painting Sunlight Catching Wooden Sculpture at the Created In York pop-up gallery in High Petergate, York

Pop-up art space of the week: Created In York, hosted by Blank Canvas by Skippko charity, 22 High Petergate, York, 10.30am to 5pm, Thursdays to Saturdays; 11am to 4pm, Sundays

CHAMPIONING change through creativity, York art charity Skippko’s rolling programme of three-week Created In York shows is running in High Petergate until December 2025 in tandem with York Conservation Trust. On show until September 14 are oil paintings by Kerry Ann Moffat and linocuts and woodblock prints by Rachel Holborow.

York RI Golden Rail Band: Performing Sounding Brass and Voices with York RI Golden Railway Band. Picture: Keith Meadley

Musical partnership of the week: Sounding Brass and Voices, York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir and York RI Golden Rail Band, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, tonight, 7.30pm

YORK Philharmonic Male Voice Choir and York RI Golden Rail Band reunite for a fourth joint concert in a tender and thrilling pairing of brass and voices, celebrating 100 years of music.

“From romantic film music to toe-tapping hits, there will be something for everyone,” says Golden Rail Band conductor Nick Eastwood.  Box office: 01904 501935 or josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk.

Musicals Across The Multiverse choreographer Connie Howcroft, right, working on moves with Zander Fick, Ben Holeyman, Abbie Law and Lauren Charlton-Matthews

Interdimensional journey of the week: Wharfemede Productions in Musicals Across The Multiverse, Theatre@41, Monkgate, York, September 10 to 13, 7.30pm and 2.30pm Saturday matinee

DIRECTOR Helen “Bells” Spencer and musical director Matthew Clare follow up 2023’s Musicals In The Multiverse 2023 with another blend of iconic musical theatre hits reconfigured with surprising twists. 

“Think unexpected style swaps, minor to major key switches, gender reversals, era-bending reinterpretations, genre mash-ups and more,” says Bells.” Box office: tickets.41monkgate.co.uk.

Debbie Isitt’s cast in rehearsal for the world premiere of Military Wives – The Musical at York Theatre Royal. Picture: Danny With A Camera

World premiere of the week: Military Wives – The Musical, York Theatre Royal, September 10 to 27, times vary

YORK Theatre Royal stages the world premiere of writer-director Debbie Isitt’s musical based on the 2019 film, rooted in Gareth Malone’s The Choir: Military Wives project.

Faced with husbands and partners being away at war, the women are isolated, bored and desperate to take their minds off feelings of impending doom. Enter Olive to help them form a choir. Cue a joyous celebration of female empowerment and friendship, courage and ‘unsung’ heroes. Box office: 01904 623568 or yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

Libby Greenhill’s Medium Alison, left, Hattie Wells’s Young Alison and Claire Morley’s Alison in Pick Me Up Theatre’s Fun Home

York premiere of the week: Pick Me Up Theatre in Fun Home, York Medical Society, Stonegate, York, September 10 to 19, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm Saturday and Sunday matinees

ROBERT Readman directs the York premiere of Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Krow’s five-time Tony Award winner, based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel. 

When her volatile father dies unexpectedly, Alison (Claire Morley) recalls how his temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, she relives her unique childhood at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her sexuality and the looming, unanswerable questions of her father’s hidden desires. Box office: ticketsourse.co.uk/pickmeuptheatrecom.

Rob Newman: Wondering where we are going in Where The Wild Things Were at The Crescent

The future, now: Burning Duck Comedy Club presents Rob Newman, Where The Wild Things Were, The Crescent, York, September 11, 7.30pm

ROB Newman wants to discuss where we are and where we are going, from future cities and philistine film directors to Dorothy Parker’s Multiverse Diaries. Throw in Pythagorean gangsters, intellectual bingo callers and a crazy character called Arlo for a comedic “tour-de-force utterly unlike anything else you will ever see anywhere else”. Box office: thecrescentyork.com.

Mick Tickner: Headlining the Funny Fridays bill at Patch

Comedy gathering of the week: Funny Fridays, at Patch, Bonding Warehouse, Terry Avenue, York, September 12, 7.30pm

AFTER May and June sell-outs and a summer break, Funny Fridays returns for a third night of stand-up hosted by promoter and comedian Katie Lingo. On the £10 bill are 2023 Hull Comedian of the Year Hannah Margaret, Jamie Clinton, Kerris Gibson, James Earl Marsters and headliner Mick Tickner. Box office: eventbrite.co.uk/e/funny-fridays-at-patch-tickets-1473792325519?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Erin Childs’ Dorothy with Toto (Freddie) in York Stage’s The Wizard Of Oz

Ruby slippers of the week: York Stage in The Wizard Of Oz, Grand Opera House, York, September 12 to 20, times vary

UNDER Nik Briggs’s direction, York Stage skips down the Yellow Brick Road as Erin Childs’ Dorothy, Toto and her friends, the Scarecrow (Flo Poskitt), Tin Man (Stu Hutchinson), and Cowardly Lion (Finn East), journey to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard (Ian Giles).

In navigating the enchanting landscape of Oz, Dorothy is watched closely by Glinda, the Good Witch (Carly Morton) as the Wicked Witch of the West (Emily Alderson) plots to thwart Dorothy’s quest and reclaim the magical ruby slippers. Box office: atgtickets.com/york.

What’s On in Ryedale, York and beyond. Hutch’s List No. 38, from Gazette & Herald

Willow artist Laura Ellen Bacon at her Whispers Of The Wilderness exhibition at Beningbrough Hall. Picture Anthony Chappel-Ross

WILLOW sculptures, a riotous Shakespeare comedy, outdoor cinema and a festival of practical arts are early September attractions for Charles Hutchinson. 

Exhibition opening of the week; Whispers Of The Wilderness, Exploring Wilderness Gardens, Beningbrough Hall, near York, until April 12 2026, Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm

WHISPERS Of The Wilderness brings together contemporary large-scale willow sculptures by Laura Ellen Bacon, historic pieces from across the National Trust collection to showcase Wilderness Gardens through time, and a new drawing studio designed by artist  Tanya Raabe-Webber.

Complemented by a new soundscape, audio chair, sketches of the developing sculptures and more, the exhibition is a sensory experience across the first-floor Reddihough Galleries and Great Hall. Its opening coincides with Beningbrough’s own Wilderness Garden being the next to be developed as part of Andy Sturgeon’s long-term garden vision, from autumn this year. Tickets: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/beningbrough.  

The HandleBards’ poster for Much Ado About Nothing, tonight’s Shakespeare riotous comedy performance at Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, York

Shakespeare performance of the week: The HandleBards in Much Ado About Nothing, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall Great Hall, York, tonight, 7pm

PEDEALLING from venue to venue with set, props and costumes on bikes, the HandleBards’ four-strong troupe of actors is spending the summer touring environmentally sustainable Shakespeare hither and thither in a bicycle-powered indoor production of Much Ado full of riotous energy and comedic chaos.

Soldiers return from the war to a household in Messina, kindling new love interests and re-kindling old rivalries as the parallel love stories of Beatrice, Benedick, Claudio and Hero become entangled with scheming, frivolity and melodrama. Box office for returns only: handlebards.com/show/much-ado-about-nothing-merchant-adventurers-hall.

Scarlett Johansson in Jurassic World Rebirth, Friday’s film at Picturehouse Outdoor Cinema in York Museum Gardens

Film event of the week: City Screen Picturehouse presents Picturehouse Outdoor Cinema, York Museum Gardens, York, Jurassic World Rebirth (12A), Friday, 6.30pm; Stop Making Sense (PG), Saturday, 6.30pm; 10 Things I Hate About You (12A), Sunday, 6.30pm

SCARLETT Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali star in Gareth Edwards’ new Jurassic World chapter as an intrepid team races to secure DNA samples from the three most colossal creatures across land, sea and air.

Jonathan Demme’s Stop Making Sense, capturing David Byrne’s Talking Heads in perpetual motion at Hollywood’s Panatges Theatre in December 1983, re-emerges in a 40th anniversary restoration of “the greatest concert film of all time”. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Allison Janney, Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger star in 10 Things I Hate About You, wherein Cameron falls for Bianca on the first day of school, but not only his uncool status stops him from asking her out. 

Blankets, cushions and small camping chairs are allowed at screenings that will begin at dusk or as soon as darkness descends. Box office: picturehouses.com/outdoor-cinema/venue/york-museum-gardens.

Jason Manford is A Manford All Seasons at York Barbican, Scarborough Spa and Hull City Hall

Comedy gigs of the week; Jason Manford in A Manford All Seasons, York Barbican, Friday, 7.30pm and November 15, 7.30pm; Scarborough Spa Grand Hall, Saturday, 7.30pm; Hull City Hall, January 22 2026, 7.30pm

SALFORD comedian, writer, actor, singer and radio and television presenter is on tour in his new stand-up show. He cites Billy Connolly as the first comedian he saw aged nine and as his first inspiration and he cherishes such family friendly entertainers as Eric Morecambe, Tommy Cooper and Les Dawson. Box office: York, yorkbarbican.co.uk; Scarborough, scarboroughspa.co.uk; Hull, hulltheatres.co.uk.

Lino print art demonstration at Fangfest Festival of Practical Arts in Fangfoss

Silver anniversary of the week: Fangfest Festival of Practical Arts, Fangfoss, East Riding, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm each day

FANGFOSS is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Fangfest with the All Things Silver flower festival; veteran cars; archery; the Stamford Bridge Heritage Society; music on the village green; children’s games; the Teddy Bear Trail and artists aplenty exhibiting and demonstrating their work. 

Opportunities will be provided to try out the potter’s wheel, spoon carving and chocolate making. Some drop-in activities are free; more intensive workshops require booking in advance. Look out too for the circus skills of children’s entertainer John Cossham, alias Professor Fiddlesticks, and the Pocklington and District Heritage Trust mobile museum. Admission is free.

York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir: Performing Sounding Brass and Voices concert with York RI Golden Railway Band at Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York

Musical partnership of the week: Sounding Brass and Voices, York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir and York RI Golden Rail Band, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, Saturday,7.30pm

TWO well-loved York ensembles reunite for Sounding Brass and Voices to celebrate 100 years of music. York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir and York RI Golden Rail Band are performing a joint concert for the fourth time in a tender and thrilling pairing of brass and voices.

“From romantic film music to toe-tapping hits, there will be something for everyone,” says Golden Rail Band conductor Nick Eastwood. “And prepare yourselves for the finale, when the choir and the band will take the stage together for a couple of glorious and rousing numbers that will gladden your heart and send you home singing.” Box office: 01904 501935 or josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk.

Gruff Rhys: Solo gig at The Crescent, York. Picture: Ryan Eddleston

York gig of the week: Gruff Rhys, The Crescent, York, September 10, 7.30pm

SUPER Furry Animals and Neon Neon musician Gruff Rhys plays The Crescent two days ahead of the release of his ninth solo album, Dim Probs, his fourth sung entirely in Welsh, marking his debut on Rock Action Records.

Over the years, Rhys has collaborated with Gorillaz, Africa Express, Mogwai, Sparklehorse, Danger Mouse, Sabrina Salerno and Imarhan and written two books, multiple cinema and video game soundtracks and an opera, created music for three stage shows and devised two feature documentaries. Box office for returns only: thecrescentyork.com/events/gruff-rhys.

Suede: Returning to York Barbican on 2026 Antidepressants tour. Picture: Dean Chalkley

Show announcement of the week: Suede, Antidepressants UK Tour 2026, York Barbican, February 7 2026

AFTER playing York Barbican for the first time in more than 25 years in March 2023, Suede will make a rather hastier return on their 17-date January and February tour. Brett Anderson’s London band will be promoting tenth studio album Antidepressants, out on September 5 on BMG.

“If [2022’s] Autofiction was our punk record, Antidepressants is our post-punk record,” says Anderson. “It’s about the tensions of modern life, the paranoia, the anxiety, the neurosis. We are all striving for connection in a disconnected world. This was the feel I wanted the songs to have. This is broken music for broken people.” Box office: yorkbarbican.co.uk/whats-on/suede26.