TV presenter plans new play area at Seaton Delaval Hall

A television presenter is set to create a new play area at a popular attraction.
William Hardie in the North West woodland at Seaton Delaval Hall.William Hardie in the North West woodland at Seaton Delaval Hall.
William Hardie in the North West woodland at Seaton Delaval Hall.

Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces and Shed of the Year presenter William Hardie will lead the creation of the new attraction at Seaton Delaval Hall.

Studio Hardie has produced designs for the play area and playful elements throughout the site, which will be set in the north west woodland.

William Hardie on the south portico steps of Seaton Delaval Halls Central Hall.William Hardie on the south portico steps of Seaton Delaval Halls Central Hall.
William Hardie on the south portico steps of Seaton Delaval Halls Central Hall.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The play area will draw inspiration from the architecture and scenery of Baroque theatre and, situated within the trees, will offer new perspectives of the landscape.

It will explore false perspective, as well as the mechanics of backstage, such as frames, rigging and sound machines, imagining how the Delavals might have arranged a magical theatre in the woodlands, full of surprises and tricks.

In addition, playful interventions will offer opportunities for intergenerational play.

William said: “We were really excited by this brave and unusual project to re-ignite the spirit of such an outlandish and wild family.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The genuine love, passion and commitment of the team at Seaton Delaval Hall is fantastic and working with The National Trust has been a real pleasure.”

Seaton Delaval Hall’s project manager Helen Nisbet said: “We really want our play offer to reflect the spirit of the Delaval family and provide opportunities to surprise and delight visitors of all ages.

“Alongside Studio Hardie we have worked with landscape architects, curators and historic outdoor specialists to create spaces and interventions that are true to the historic landscapes whilst creating fresh interpretations of what the Delavals might do today.

“We are incredibly excited by Studio Hardie’s designs which will help bring the spirit of the site alive.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We look forward to them being realised as part of the project.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awarded £3.7m to the National Trust to help repair and conserve the Baroque masterpiece in Northumberland and bring new life to Seaton Delaval Hall for visitors and the local community.

The new play elements will form part of this project, which takes place over the next three years.