Felicity Aylieff Petworth House exhibition Expressions in Blue is one of the most ambitious displays of contemporary ceramics in England this year — and it is on your doorstep in West Sussex.
The exhibition runs from 23 May to 27 September 2026 at Petworth House, a 17th-century baroque mansion set within a Capability Brown landscaped park in the heart of West Sussex — approximately one hour from Brighton.
Felicity Aylieff at Petworth House — About the Exhibition
Felicity Aylieff is one of the UK’s most significant contemporary artists working in clay. Her work is monumental in the most literal sense: some pieces stand three metres high, painted in sweeping cobalt blue glazes with brushstrokes of extraordinary energy and scale.
Aylieff’s artistic journey and her distinctive style have been shaped by her deep engagement with the medium of clay. She explores themes of nature, cultural heritage, and the interplay of tradition and innovation. This exhibition serves not only as a showcase of her work but also as a celebration of the rich history of ceramics, inviting visitors to consider the evolution of artistic expression.
At Petworth, these sculptures are placed throughout the house and park in deliberate conversation with the building’s extraordinary historic collections — Turner, van Dyck, Flaxman, Grinling Gibbons carvings and a magnificent collection of 17th-century Chinese porcelain.
The result is a dialogue between centuries.
In the Marble Hall, visitors walk through a forest of enormous blue and white vessels, painted in cobalt glazes with brushstrokes full of movement. On the Grand Staircase, a monolithic work commands the space below. Outside, two soaring obelisks stand between the house and the lake, visible across the Capability Brown landscape.
Each sculpture tells a story, with intricate details that draw viewers into a world where art and nature coexist harmoniously. The cobalt blue glazes used in her works are reminiscent of traditional Chinese porcelain, yet Aylieff infuses them with a contemporary twist, making them instantly recognisable as her own. This combination of historical influence and modern interpretation allows for a rich dialogue with the surroundings of Petworth House.
Several works in the exhibition are new — created specifically for Petworth and shown here for the first time.
The Making Process
Aylieff’s work is rooted in a long creative relationship with the porcelain city of Jingdezhen, China — where she has spent extended periods working alongside craftspeople whose skills have been accumulated over generations.
The techniques employed in her work are a testament to the skill and artistry involved in the making of porcelain. Aylieff often collaborates with local artisans in Jingdezhen, learning from their expertise while also imparting her unique vision. This cultural exchange enriches her creations, allowing them to resonate with history while remaining firmly rooted in the present.
The process is as physical as it is precise. A dedicated exhibition room at Petworth presents film and photographs of the making process alongside Aylieff’s mark-making tools — including the giant horsehair brushes used to whip energetic flicks and splashes across the surface of the vessels.
“Seeing my sculptures within Petworth’s grand baroque setting is both exhilarating and humbling,” Aylieff says. “The light, space and sense of permanence within the house allow the work to resonate differently — echoing both the heritage of porcelain and the timeless atmosphere of Petworth’s collection.”
Why This Exhibition Matters
Exploring Felicity Aylieff Petworth House’s Artistic Legacy
Petworth has a long history of inspiring contemporary artists — Turner spent extended periods here in the early 19th century, and the house’s collection reflects nearly a thousand years of evolving artistic taste.
Property Curator Dr Emily Knight describes the exhibition as “a conversation between the past and present” — noting that Aylieff’s dramatic grandeur conjures the same sense of spectacle as Petworth’s baroque interiors.
This exhibition is particularly significant as it highlights the evolution of ceramics in the context of modern art. It challenges visitors to rethink their perceptions of traditional crafts and encourages a deeper appreciation of the artistic processes involved. Through her dramatic use of scale and colour, Aylieff’s work invites a visceral reaction, drawing on emotions that connect viewers with both the past and the contemporary art scene.
For visitors to Sussex, it is a rare opportunity to encounter work of this ambition and scale outside London — placed in one of the most beautiful historic settings in England.
Visiting Petworth House during this exhibition is not just an opportunity to enjoy art; it’s a chance to immerse oneself in a cultural experience that combines history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. The surrounding parkland, designed by Capability Brown, provides a stunning backdrop for Aylieff’s work, enhancing the overall aesthetic experience. As guests wander through the grounds, they can reflect on the relationship between art and nature, making the visit both enlightening and enjoyable.
Practical Information
In summary, the Expressions in Blue exhibition at Petworth House is a must-visit for art lovers and anyone interested in the intersection of tradition and contemporary practice. Felicity Aylieff’s work not only challenges conventional notions of ceramics but also invites a broader conversation about the role of art in society today. The exhibition is a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship that will resonate with audiences long after they leave the grounds of Petworth House.
📍 Petworth House and Park, Church Lodge entrance, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0AE
📅 23 May – 27 September 2026
🎫 Included in standard Petworth House admission — free to National Trust members
🌐 nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth
Don’t miss the chance to experience the stunning Felicity Aylieff Petworth House exhibition, which promises to be a highlight of the year for art enthusiasts and visitors alike.
For those who are keen to explore further, the exhibition also includes interactive elements, allowing visitors to engage with the materials and techniques Aylieff employs. Workshops and demonstrations led by skilled artisans will take place throughout the exhibition period, providing an opportunity for attendees to gain hands-on experience and insights into the art of ceramics. This immersive approach not only enhances the visitor experience but also fosters a greater connection between the audience and the art on display.
Getting there from Brighton: Approximately 50 minutes by car via the A272. A beautiful drive through the South Downs National Park.
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