our courses
New Perspectives in Country House Studies
New Perspectives in Country House Studies
21 – 25 September 2025
Based in Yorkshire, this intensive five-day themed short course will focus on a series of new and emerging perspectives that are currently informing country house studies. Like all Attingham courses, the study of the architecture, interiors and objects in situ will drive the programme. It is intended for anyone who has a professional or academic interest in the arts and heritage, and we welcome all applications including those at the early stages of their career, in the process of completing their academic studies, and from backgrounds underrepresented in this field.
The themes to be explored cover a wide range of topics, each informed by the historic houses we visit. We will be looking at the global and colonial contexts of objects; we will focus on craftspeople and makers, both then and now; we will look at women as patrons, as collectors and as instigators of change in the country house; we will examine how the buildings were actually lived and worked in, and how they reflect both the lives of their occupants and wider social change. The course will encourage discussion and reflection, and it is hoped that members will participate fully in the debates.
We will explore a series of large and smaller Yorkshire country houses in different types of ownership to consider their contents, architecture and wider landscapes from multiple viewpoints. Houses are likely to include Castle Howard, Wentworth Woodhouse, Shibden Hall, Burton Constable Hall, Kiplin Hall and Harewood House and, as with all Attingham programmes, we will be supported by a team of expert lecturers and onsite speakers.
Some scholarship assistance will be available.
Director, New Perspectives in Country House Studies
Course Coordinator
Enrolment and fees
The cost of the residential course is £2,350. This includes accommodation, breakfast, most lunches and dinners. Tuition, admissions and travel by private coach during the course are also included. Accommodation throughout will be in single-occupancy rooms with en-suite facilities. The fee does not include travel to and from the course, which will take place in Yorkshire.
Applications
The deadline for applications is Friday 14 February 2025. All candidates will be notified by the end of March 2025 if they have been awarded a place. Payment of fees in full will be due by Wednesday 30 April 2025, and should be made by bank transfer. Participants are strongly advised to insure against cancellation, as no refunds will be made following payment, unless the place can be filled by another suitable candidate. In such a case, an administrative fee of £150 will be applied.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR APPLICANTS FROM COUNTRIES OTHER THAN THE USA
Applicants who are unable to meet the fees are encouraged to approach their institutions or other funding bodies for full or partial financial assistance before applying for the course. Some scholarship funding through The Attingham Trust is available thanks to the generous support of various individuals and charitable foundations. Any candidate wishing to apply for a scholarship must complete the scholarship application at the bottom of the application form and provide details of his/her current salary.
Any queries can be directed to Rita Grudzień:
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR APPLICANTS FROM THE USA
US Applicants seeking scholarship support should apply directly to the American Friends of Attingham. For more information, see the website https://americanfriendsofattingham.org/
Scholarships for applicants from Australia
For applicants from Australia seeking scholarships, please refer to: www.coplandfoundation.com.au by 28 November 2024