Much of what is seen today at Mottisfont, is the work and creation of Gilbert and Maud Russell, who brought the house in 1934 from the then owner. They both restored and changed the house. During the WWII Gilbert died and Maude moved to London to work for the admiralty. It is thought offering translation services. The house was requisitioned by the military, the long gallery became a place of convalescence for wounded. Children evacuated from London lived in the stable block and a local Iron Age hillfort was used as a lookout. In other words it has active history during WWII.
It is perhaps appropriate then that Mottisfont, is currently housing an exhibition of work by Heath Robinson. Most prolific during WWII. In the UK, the expression “it’s a bit Heath Robinson” means “something a bit cobbled together from bits a pieces”, and I’d like to think also implies “but in a way with a little charm”. I have no idea whether that expression has travelled outside the UK! I like his work, and was delighted to see it.
Heath Robinson died in September of 1944. He had illustrated many books, and had much published work. Of course there is a lot of stuff online. Wiki’s entry is worth a read here. There is also a museum dedicated to his work – you can read more here.
Whilst these are my photographs, the art is of course Heath Robison’s. Thankfully much of it is in public ownership, the National Lottery made a grant, both 1.1 million towards the museum and then a further grant to buy 400 more of his artworks. A good use of funds me thinks! If you happen to be withing striking distance of Mottisfont (Romsey, Hampshire) then it’s worth a visit!
Chatter: Motorola Phone (Moto e13)
S.H.O.U.T. 