Portraying the English Country House: Travel and Transmission across the Atlantic
Join Kedra Kearis, associate curator, art and visual culture, for an insider’s look at the legendary Attingham Summer School, a 16-day immersion in the art, architecture, and landscapes of England’s great country estates. In the summer of 2025, Dr. Kearis explored 26 historic houses and gardens—from the dramatic Arundel Castle and the opulent Chatsworth to the storied halls of Boughton House, Kedleston Hall, Hardwick Hall, and Petworth House.
This talk invites you behind the scenes of the Attingham experience, where private tours, expert lectures, and hands-on workshops bring centuries of design and collecting to life. Dr. Kearis will share how these encounters are shaping her curatorial vision at Winterthur and will highlight surprising connections between British and American art: the impact of the European Grand Tour, the role of women as patrons and collectors, and the power of prints and publications to carry the style of the English country house across the Atlantic.
The Research at Winterthur series, presented by the Winterthur Library and the Research Fellowship Program, showcases new projects and publications that tap into our rich collections and resources, unveiling innovative perspectives for exploring the fascinating stories that objects can tell about people and our shared past. Registration required. Included with admission. Members free.