Caprice

By Anouk Mercier

Leading delivery of a mysterious site-specific commission that crafts a new capriccio dreamscape from fragments of artworks collected on the European grand tour.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

CLIENT: Stourhead, Wiltshire / National Trust

ROLE: Curator / Creative Producer

TIMELINE: 2017

PROJECT TYPE: art commissioning / site-specific / digital

THE BRIEF

This commission was the first in a three-year series of new artworks inspired by Stourhead, under the ‘Trust New Art’ national programme. The series sought to challenge visitors to explore Stourhead’s collection through new and unusual perspectives. Anouk Mercier’s practice in crafting contemporary dreamscapes from fragments of existing works did just that.

Caprice refers to the painting genre of the ‘capriccio’, made popular in mid 17th century Rome.

Capriccios combined architectural elements and archaeological ruins in fictional and often fantastical arrangements, interspaced with figures. Stourhead’s collection features several capriccios, collected during grand tours of Europe, which are said to have influenced the design of the famous landscape garden.

Anouk individually hand printed reproductions of 47 capriccios and other landscape paintings, prints and drawings from the estate’s collection.

experience Deliverables:

→ Site-specific artwork
→ Exhibition design/delivery
→ Companion programming

CAMILLA’S APPROACH

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

I project managed the commission, serving as the lead contact for the artist and facilitating collaboration across property departments.

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

I supported the artist through her residency, enabling access to historic collection and arranging interviews with staff and volunteers.

EXHIBITION DESIGN

I designed the exhibition, developing interpretation to make both Caprice and the inspiring collection works accessible to diverse audiences and learning styles.

COMPANION PROGRAMMING

I led the visitor experience team to create Caprice-inspired gallery tours and spotter activities, also participating in the ‘Big Draw’ with artist-led workshops.