Stately home ridiculed for show that hides ‘male’ art
Notice explains the installation of men so they would not offend ladies was just ridiculous.
“There was room after room in which [works of art] were completely covered. Statues had white bags over them.
“It was everywhere. People were complaining and were as baffled as I was.”
Another visitor Jim Herbert added: “Having paid a touch under £50 to get in, it is disappointing not to be able to see the whole collection and I fail to see how hiding exhibits deemed as male can do anything to encourage female achievement.
“I can’t help but think that an extra exhibition recognising the achievements of women would be more constructive.”
The “great Cragside coverup” is billed as an installation by artists Kate Stobbart, Rob Blazey and Harriet Sutcliffe.
The National Trust said the six-week exhibition was well publicised and visitors should have been aware prior to entry.
A family ticket costs £49.50 for entrance to the house and grounds and £19.80 for a single entrance. It was reported that Cragside’s “comments” box has had to be emptied up to three times a day due to complaints.
Kiki Claxton, programmes co-ordinator for National Trust North East, said: “This year the National Trust is celebrating women and power, marking the centenary of some women being awarded the right to vote.
“This celebration gives us the opportunity to offer visitors a different visit to Cragside. The last installation in the exhibit, The Great Cragside Cover-up: House, veiled a small number of items in the house to ask the question, ‘How are the women who shaped Cragside represented in the collection?’”