Eastern Promise for Jesmond Dene House
August 10 2007
Bonsai trees and fine art from the Land of the Rising Sun will be displayed at the Newcastle retreat throughout the August Bank Holiday weekend, ending Monday, August 27. As Japan and Britain are united through their love of tea, the hotel will host a traditional English afternoon tea on Sunday, August 26 with live music in the Great Hall.
All visitors to the hotel and restaurant will be invited to explore the plethora of exhibits, which will include a variety of rare bonsai trees from Hexham-based specialists Willowbog Bonsai and Japanese paintings, ceramics and accessories from Ginko Fine Art of Gateshead.
The oriental weekend was inspired by the house's historic links with Japan, which date back to 1911 when Japanese naval hero Admiral Togo stayed at the Grade II listed mansion. During his visit, Togo expressed his thanks to Newcastle for its role in building and arming the Japanese navy.
Since its construction in 1822, Jesmond Dene House has seen a myriad of Eastern ambassadors, including Japanese princes and Chinese ministers.
Willowbog Bonsai is the brainchild of husband and wife team Peter and Jean Snart; set in the picturesque Northumberland National Park the centre not only sells bonsai products but also holds bonsai master classes. Set up 11 years ago, it has become renowned for its choice of high quality trees and arguably the best workshops in the UK - lead by some of Europe's most celebrated artists.
Peter, who worked in forestry for 10 years and dedicated a further 26 years of his life to the art of bonsai, will be on hand throughout the weekend to share his expertise. He said: "My love affair with bonsai began in 1981 when my wife gave me a tree for Christmas. I have always had an interest in plants and bonsai has given me great satisfaction in life, which I can share through Willowbog Bonsai.
"We are really looking forward to this exhibition as it is an opportunity to reach people who have never been exposed to the wonderful art of bonsai. Our objective isn't to sell trees but to promote bonsai and I hope everyone that visits the exhibition will leave with a new found appreciation of the art."
The Japanese exhibition will also feature prints by Ginko Fine Art artists Christopher McHugh and Takaya Hirai, intricate calligraphy by Osaka-based Zuiso Naka and ceramic robots made by her potter son, Kenji. An exciting range of Japanese gifts, including unusual Magnolia wood brooches by Kyoto-based craftsman Ichihashi Kouyou, chirimen and bead accessories by Osaka-based fashion designer Saori and Arita-yaki porcelain will also be displayed.
Ginko Fine Art was established by Gateshead-born artist Chris McHugh and is dedicated to promoting and selling Japanese fine art, with a variety of distinctive paintings, ceramics and accessories available to buy online.
A former archaeologist, Chris spent four years working and studying in Japan and now specialises in printmaking, etching and mixed media work. He commented: "I have always had a keen interest in Japan, the country has such a rich cultural heritage and is shrouded in traditions that they have managed to uphold throughout the centuries. The great attention to detail inherent in Japanese art and crafts is the key attraction for me.
"It's unusual for me to exhibit my work in a place that is in daily use, as opposed to a sterile art gallery, so I am very excited to see how the artwork will look alongside the eclectic décor of Jesmond Dene House. I also think the two exhibitions will compliment each other well and I hope they both receive a positive reaction and, who knows, perhaps we might create a few more Japanese enthusiasts within the region."
Peter Candler, managing director of Jesmond Dene House Hotel and Restaurant, added: "We hope the weekend will help raise the profile and appreciation of Japanese art and bonsai within the North East. Over the years, the region has forged strong links with Japan being home to manufacturing giants such as Komatsu UK, Nissan and NSK and we are eager to rejuvenate these. I recently visited Japan to promote NewcastleGateshead as a tourism destination and I believe our cultures have a lot to offer one and other."
For more information or to book visit http://www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk/ email info@jesmonddenehouse.co.uk or call 0191 212 3000. Or to learn more about Willowbog Bonsai visit http://www.willowbog-bonsai.co.uk/ and for more details on Ginko Fine Art visit http://www.ginkofineart.com/.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Virginia Lingstadt or Wayne Halton at MHW PR on 0191 233 1300.
