Artist teams up with Toff TV family
Artist Nick Matson has teamed up with controversial television family The Fulfords to create a unique art holiday experience at their home near Exeter.
The Fulfords rose to fame with Channel 4’s The F***ing Fulfords and BBC3’s Life is Toff, which documented their unconventional way of living in their run-down stately home.
Art enthusiasts will have a rare opportunity to inhabit the stunning period property at the Great Fulford Estate where they can soak up the grounds and landscape during a four night art holiday.
The Fulfords are opening their home for a limited number of events throughout the year and will cater for guests who will stay in one of the newly refurbished rooms and learn how to paint under the instruction of artist Nick Matson.
Nick Matson says: “I loved watching the family’s capers on TV and had watched their programme in the 1990s when the Fulford children were younger. One specific episode of the recent show Life is Toff where the family are showing tourists around Great Fulford and discussing the many great portraits on the walls and I began to think, what a fantastic place that would be to hold my art holiday. It had everything I was looking for; breathtaking landscapes, open grounds, magnificent architecture and enough space to provide a four day residency.”
“This is a great opportunity for artists to perfect their craft, surrounded by inspiring countryside, landscapes and breathtaking historical architecture.”
Nick has always worked in the art industry. Having run a fine art publishing company and gallery, he now works as a teacher of fine art and has been commissioned for portraits of high profile figures including Alan Johnson MP and Nancy Birtwhistle, winner of the Great British Bake Off, from his East Yorkshire studio, based in the market town of Beverley.
As the artist in residence at Spurn Point Lighthouse in 2013 Nick came up with his own twist on the art holiday concept, to escape from their everyday life and focus on learning new skills and began looking for a suitable venue.
“My residency at the Lighthouse was a real turning point in my career. When you’re out in the open, you have to alter your style and deal with different elements. Light, shade and movement all have an affect on how you produce work. Having learned how to manage this myself, I wanted to teach others the techniques I had picked up and began looking for suitable properties from which I could run an art holiday. I had visited a few stately homes in Yorkshire where I live but there were no suitable properties for a live-in residency.”
Nick had the idea of holding the art classes at Great Fulford whilst watching their BBC3 programme Life is Toff. The next day, Nick emailed Francis Fulford explaining his vision and the wheels were set in motion almost instantly.
“Francis was immediately enthusiastic and together we came up with a unique holiday experience, the ultimate getaway for anyone looking for a relaxing holiday, where they can perfect their artistry skills. I will offer demonstrations in different mediums over the holiday and set projects which I fully support my students in creating a body of work over the four night stay in pencil, charcoal, watercolour and acrylic and supply all art materials.”
Owner of the Great Fulford Estate Francis Fulford says: “As a family we are always interested in creative ideas and events at the Great Fulford Estate. Having seen Nick’s work, I am confident of both his expertise and that residents of The Great Fulford Art Holiday, will leave with a valuable body of work and a fantastic experience under their belt.”
The holiday also includes a guided, educational tour of Great Fulford and its grounds as part of the experience and all meals will be provided for the artists. The Great Fulford Art Holiday is suitable for beginners as well as artists with more experience. Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.
For more information or to make a reservation visit http://fulfordartholiday.com
