Visitors invited to watch sky arts landscape artist of the year semi-final at Bucklers Hard

June 28, 2023

Buckler’s Hard, on the banks of the Beaulieu River, will be hosting the semi-final of Sky Arts ‘Landscape Artist of the Year’ on July 12th, and visitors to the village are invited to support the artists competing to win a £10,000 prize commission.

Come and watch the filming, as artists create their masterpieces at the picturesque harbourside village in the heart of the New Forest. Park in the visitor car park for a small charge, then enter the village for free to explore the once thriving home of shipbuilding where time flows differently.

Landscape Artist of the Year challenges professional and amateur artists to create a landscape in their signature style, during various rounds of the competition throughout the UK. Filming at Buckler’s Hard will start at about 10am and finish by 6pm.

Locations are individually chosen for their natural beauty but are not without their trials and individual obstacles, which will test even the most experienced artist. Each landscape is then presented to the show’s judges, Stephen Mangan and Dame Joan Bakewell, and a winning artist will be chosen from the Buckler’s Hard heat to compete in the final.

Visitors to the village are invited to support and interact with the artists as they capture the beauty of Buckler’s Hard through their own eyes. If you’re a budding artist you might even be inspired to create your own landscape artwork at home.

It is not the first time that Buckler’s Hard has been chosen for its stunning backdrop. The historic village returned to its 18th century roots for recent filming of the BBC and Disney FX adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, starring Olivia Colman as one of literature’s most famous characters, Miss Havisham.

Buckler’s Hard is steeped in history, and you can discover more about the maritime history of the village by dropping into the Buckler’s Hard Museum* – which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. See fascinating exhibits including Nelson’s original baby clothes, listen in on conversations between villagers of the past and follow residents’ stories in the exhibition of village life.

Take a break and find refreshments at The Captain’s Table, where you can tuck into a tasty lunch or sumptuous New Forest ice cream. Or for those after a fine dining experience, the Master Builder’s House can be found at the bottom of the High Street, offering fresh, seasonal food, good quality wines and ales in the former home of Buckler’s Hard’s Master Builder.

Then enjoy a cooling breeze by stepping on board a River Cruise*, to see Beaulieu River’s meandering saltmarshes and experience its timeless tranquility. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where you can spot waders and wildfowl and even a seal, if you’re lucky!

For further details about a visit to Buckler’s Hard, click here or call 01590 616203.

*Charges apply.

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