Set to open in March, the exhibition at the Cheshire Estate will feature two world renowned Canaletto oil paintings will feature alongside Italian artefacts and unseen letters.
Tatton Park’s landmark exhibition for 2026, Beyond the View: Canaletto opens on 28th March and runs until 1st November, focusing on the story of 18-year-old Samuel Egerton’s journey from rural Cheshire to the heart of Venice’s art scene.
The display will feature two world renowned Canaletto oil paintings alongside a curated collection of Italian artefacts, unseen letters and an original, never previously displayed 1729 Map of Venice by Ludovico Ughi projected to its intended large scale for the first time ever.
The items explore the love that Egerton, the owner of Tatton between 1738 and 1780, had for Italy and art and his connection with artist, Giovanni Antonio Canal, known as Canaletto. Visitors will be able to discover how he helped the art community to flourish.
Alice Rylance-Watson, assistant national curator, Visual Arts (National Trust) said: “It is wonderful to see the Tatton letters on display for the first time, these are the only archival evidence in existence of the client relationship and working technique between Samuel Egerton and Canaletto including the circumstances of the commission and the difficulty in finishing the pieces. This is a fantastic opportunity to see these historical documents in the context of the works commissioned, two of Canaletto’s most renowned paintings.”
Step into the masterpieces
Using augmented reality and soundscapes visitors will also be able to step inside the works and Venetian life to meet Samuel Egerton’s often overlooked female relatives, Elizabeth, Beatrix, and Hester Egerton who lived at Tatton during the 1700s.
An accompanying digital art installation by Alex Pollman and Bine Roth of Studio Peut-Porter, explores fictional stories around Samuel Egerton’s mother, sister and daughter, by following their dreams of travel to hosting a Venetian Ball and a grand political dinner.
Carole Hyde, head of rural and cultural economy, Cheshire East Council and Tatton Park general manager said: “We are delighted to be showcasing the Egerton Family’s connections to Italy through displaying new, never before seen artefacts alongside the fantastic Canaletto’s commissioned specifically for the Tatton family.”
“A long time in the planning, it’s fantastic to see Beyond the View: Canaletto finally come together and for us to be showcasing artworks of international significance right here in Cheshire.”
Carole Hyde, Tatton Park general manager.
Group visits to Tatton Park
Groups will be able to explore the exhibition during a visit to Tatton Park between 28th March and 1st November. The Cheshire estate welcomes groups of 15 or more for self-guided visits of the mansion, gardens and farm.
On certain days throughout the summer, groups can upgrade to include admission to the Old Hall. Elevated groups packages can include a private guided tour and Pantry Platter lunch at the Stables.
For more information about the exhibition and group visits to Tatton park, visit www.tattonpark.org.uk.
