HESTERCOMBE Gardens will be hosting a national event, welcoming more than 100 artists from across the UK.
On April 10, 2026, Hestercombe House and Gardens, near Taunton, will ‘come alive with creativity and community’ as more than 100 artists from across the UK will gather for a plein air event.
The event, led by Jackson’s, seeks to transform Somerset’s historical garden estate - which went into administration in 2025 - into an open studio, with artists setting up their easels within the landscape to create original artworks inspired by their surroundings.
This follows the ‘success’ of the company’s previous plein air events at Sculpture by the Lakes in Somerset and the National Trust’s Scotney Castle in Kent.
The gardens themselves showcase three centuries of garden design, featuring Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian elements by Bampfylde, Lutyens, and Jekyll, alongside garden buildings and a restored mill.
This follows the appointment of Forvis Mazars as Joint Administrator in August 2025, with many events such as the Christmas Market and light display cancelled, and the future of the historical location looking uncertain.
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Hestercombe Managing director Warren Leaves said: “Continuing Hestercombe's wonderful tradition of art and landscape, we are delighted to welcome Jackson's to Hestercombe again by popular demand.
“Family-friendly, inclusive, wide appeal, all levels welcome - kicking off a fabulous program of events, theatre, music, and workshops in 2026.”
Organiser Lisa Takahashi added: “This dramatic landscape is a perfect open-air studio for capturing history, architecture, and horticulture
“From the dramatic Great Cascade to the sunken Great Plat, Hestercombe Gardens boasts many striking views. Capture sweeping valley scenes, mirrored ponds, geometric borders, and floral terraces, shaped by centuries of design and evolving light.”
The event takes place on April 10 from 10am to 3.30pm with admission costing £11.50 per person.
Lisa said these events focus on fostering community and well-being alongside capturing landscapes and creating art.
She said: “They offer a chance to slow down, connect with nature, be present in the moment, and meet like-minded people.”
“There’s something truly special about painting in the open air. The natural light, shifting landscapes, and fresh air not only inspire creativity but also promote mindfulness and wellbeing.”
“Our plein air events shine a light on the stunning landscapes that the UK has to offer.”
Attendees of previous events have said the experience was ‘really special’ and ‘inspiring’.
Louise Waugh, an oil and acrylic painter, said: “It was really special to be with a big group of artists out in the elements sharing their passion for painting and creating.”
Mary Donkin, painter and collage artist, said: “I enjoyed the opportunity to paint with other artists. It is always inspiring to see what others can do. I also enjoy the security of painting in a group. I don’t have the confidence to set my easel up on my own.”
Tony Keene, a watercolourist, said: “Painting plein air is essentially a solitary pursuit, so the joy of the day, beyond the variable and interesting location, was the gathering of artists and the exposure to a range of image-making and image makers with a common purpose.”
