Catherine Bertola: "Unravelling the Manor House" Preston Manor, Brighton, UK

Unravelling the Manor House sees twelve artists and makers using or subverting the notion of craft in extreme and conceptual ways. Each of the artists is developing new artworks specifically for the exhibition. The work responds to the house and will bring the existing collection at Preston Manor to life. We have included a broad cross section of artists working in a variety of media and at various stages of their careers. We are aiming to provide a high profile showcase for contemporary artists and makers and engage artists with historic houses and stimulate practical craft activity and debate. Selected artists Gavin Fry, James Hunting, Maria Rivans, Matt Smith, Louise Batchelor, Laura Splan, Kira O'Reilly, Penny Green, Catherine Bertola, Ingrid Plum, Emma Moloney and Caitlin Heffernan The exhibition will open at Preston Manor, part of Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove in May 2010. One of the five sites under the care of Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton and Hove, Preston Manor evokes the atmosphere of an Edwardian gentry house both, upstairs, and downstairs. Dating from c.1600, rebuilt in 1738 and substantially added to in 1905, the house and its contents give a rare insight into life during the early years of the 20th century. Visitors can explore more than twenty rooms over four floors, from the servant's quarters, kitchens and butler's pantry in the basement to the attic bedrooms and nursery on the top floor. The Manor also has walled gardens and a pet's cemetery. For more information on the house please visit the Preston Manor website at http://www.prestonmanor.virtualmuseum.info/ http://www.unravelled.org.uk/ image: Catherine Bertola If She Is Not, 2010 Pins and Pillow Case Courtesy of the artist and Workplace Gallery