Waddesdon Manor is a stately home in Buckinghamshire, managed by the charitable Rothschild Foundation on behalf of the National Trust. We are looking for artists who can run workshops in schools and community groups to create large, collaborative pieces, with any age range. We also welcome artists who can provide templates or designs suitable for to be used by children in the classroom or are willing to include children's designs to their pieces. We would like the artwork to be joyful, celebratory, inclusive, charming and fun. For 2027, artists are invited to respond to the theme of 'Many Makers, One Manor'. Expressions of interest should be sent to [email protected] by 5pm, Sunday 21 June 2026.Job Summary
Job Description
In 2027 we are celebrating 150 years since the Foundation stone was laid, as well as the 70th anniversary of Waddesdon Manor being given to the National Trust.
In honour of this, we would like to engage with our local schools and community groups, to create a display of artwork.
The Learning team at Waddesdon has a long tradition of schools artwork displays; traditionally this has been at Christmas. In previous years, the team have worked with artists to create displays that feature work primarily made by local school children, including lanterns made from natural materials, animals from recyclables and much more.
In 2025, 14,067 local school children took part, across 81 schools. We aim to work with as many students, schools, and community groups as we can.
This brief concerns the dressing of Miss Alice's Drive, our woodland walk, specifically working with the Learning team, in addition to a parade of artwork to and along Miss Alice's Drive.
Artworks will be outside, so must be robust enough to withstand just over two weeks in a British early Spring, as well as potential visitor interference.
The installation date for the display will be Thursday 25 March 2027Job Requirements
We expect that these workshops will take place between September 2026 and February 2027.
The parade of artwork will take place on Wednesday 24 March 2027.
The artwork will then be on display between Thursday 25 March 2027 until Sunday 11 April 2027. These are the Buckinghamshire Easter school holiday dates.
We particularly welcome applications from artists from the local community, in any stage of their career.Job Responsibilities
We would like you to interpret:
Objects from our collection. We can send you a list of objects that we would like to see included.
The architecture of Waddesdon Manor itself.
The Gardens and Aviary.
The history of the Rothschild family at Waddesdon Manor.
Art styles featured at Waddesdon Manor, notably Rococo.
We would like every school and community group to have the opportunity to walk their artworks to Miss Alice's Drive in a parade event.
We expect that this project would be roughly 20 days work. Useful Links
How to Apply
Expressions of interest should include:
• A brief outline of your proposed work
• Materials used
• Any technical requirements
• Ideas for working with schools and community groups- what is your approach? We expect artists to provide their own transport, insurance and DBS check as necessary.
• Budget expectations- daily rates; number of anticipated days of
work, including preparation, delivery and installation time; travel and accommodation costs; materials budget.
Shortlisted artists will be invited to submit a more detailed proposal including initial designs and costings. All applicants, whether successful or not, will be notified by Friday 26 June 2027.