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Art & architecture, Exhibitions, Gardens

Flights of Fancy: Birds at Waddesdon

22 May – 27 Oct

House & Grounds
Free with house and grounds admission
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Flock to Waddesdon this summer for a celebration of birds. Throughout the Manor, Aviary and Gardens discover a range of bird-themed exhibitions, events and activities for all the family.

Flights of Fancy is a rare chance for bird enthusiasts and art lovers alike to explore this beautiful subject through our birds and remarkable displays of porcelain, paintings, drawings and prints.

In the Manor

The exhibition features the life and work of the recently rediscovered Louis-Denis Armand (1723-1796), a painter at the world-famous Sèvres porcelain manufactory. Widely acknowledged as the most talented bird painter at Sèvres, his birds were initially ‘flights of fancy’, drawn from his wild imagination but as time went on, they gained ornithological accuracy. He also drew exotic birds from life, picking and choosing elements to combine and exaggerate.

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Waddesdon’s own impressive collection of Sèvres painted by Armand includes ten vases from the 1750s-60s and important pieces from the Razumovsky dessert service. These are displayed alongside nearly 50 loans from private collections and from the Musée national de céramique at Sèvres.

 

Highlights

Madame Pompadour

Porcelain

Madame de Pompadour’s pot-pourri vase is reunited with her snuffbox, for the first time since the 18th century.

Armand Drawing (web)

Drawings

See over 30 drawings by Armand from private collections that enabled the rediscovery of his identity and that have never been publicly displayed before now.  Find out more in our short film A Painter of Birds

Hieronymous by Andy Singleton (web)

Paper Sculptures

As if the birds have broken free, there are a series of interventions throughout the Manor by paper artist Andy Singleton, responding to the collections, the Aviary and Armand’s art.

 

 

At the Aviary

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The magnificent rococo Aviary at Waddesdon forms part of the exhibition too. Built in 1889 for Baron Ferdinand, the Aviary is home to rare and colourful exotic birds and plays a key role in the conservation programme for several endangered species.

Read more about The Aviary

Highlights

Commonhill Myna

The Mynah Birds

Don’t miss overhearing the Mynahs in the Aviary, who mimic the sounds they hear. The Common Hill Mynahs at Waddesdon can often be heard saying “hello”, beeping like a truck and laughing heartily.

aviary

Tell It To The Birds

Tell it to the Birds by Jenny Kendler is a contemporary multisensory art installation, located at the Aviary, which invites you to tell a secret to the birds and hear your words translated into birdsong!

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Sponsor A Bird

We are introducing ‘Sponsor a Bird’ at the Aviary. The sponsor packs make wonderful gifts and will soon be available to purchase at the Manor Shop. Proceeds contribute to the upkeep of our Aviary, its birds, and their conservation.

In the Gardens

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This summer our carpet bedding brings to life Armand’s artistry. Inspired by Flights of Fancy, our gardens team have designed the carpet bedding at the Parterre and the Aviary to translate a drawing of two orioles into a bed of succulents. Perched nearby are the impressive 3D birds, who are showing off their wonderful fancy plumage.

Read more about the Gardens

 

Bird-themed Events and Activities

Flights of Fancy Dining Room by Merriman Photography

Flights of Fancy Exhibition Tour

Wed 14 Aug & 14 Sept, 11am–2:30pm

Enjoy a fascinating Flights of Fancy themed day, starting with a curator-led tour of the Flights of Fancy exhibition in the Manor. This is followed by a visit to the Aviary for a Meet The Keeper talk to discover more about our live birds and life at the Aviary. There is an opportunity to book lunch after the tour and enjoy the gardens at your leisure.

Aviary Keeper

Behind the Scenes Tour

Wed 31 July & 28 Aug, 2pm–3:45pm

Join us at the introductory “meet the Keeper talk” at the Aviary and then follow us for special behind the scenes access to see all that is involved with the running of a modern zoological collection at the Aviary. Advance booking is recommended. Kids go free.

Birds of Prey

Berkshire Birds of Prey

Fri 23 – Mon 26 Aug

Join us for the August Bank Holiday to get up close and personal with birds of prey. Learn about their habits, habitats, and history as well as how you can help them in the wild. Feeling brave? Put on a handlers glove and have the chance to hold the birds yourself.

 

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Bird Spotting Trail

Pick up a copy of our Waddesdon Bird Spotting Guide which is available from our new Conservation Hub, located by the Woodland Playground. See what birds you can spot on your walk through Miss Alice’s Drive and around the grounds.

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Gardens and Gatherings

We have partnered with Bicester Village to celebrate Flights of Fancy. Enjoy 20% off Bicester Village shopping packages when you book a visit to Waddesdon Manor until 31 August 2024. Subject to availability at the time of booking a shopping package. Find out more (terms and Conditions apply).

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Autumn Game Dinner

Enjoy a five-course menu specially designed by Head Chef, Ben Thurkettle, to showcase the best of classical Autumnal produce, including paired wines to enhance each dish. With a focus on game, we will be using locally and ethically sourced ingredients, including seasonal produce from the estate.

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