The exhibition Magic at Haddon Hall tells the story of rituals, charms and superstitions in Elizabethan England.
In the courtyard were displays of superstitions we know of today. Things we think will bring bad luck.
Things like - never walk under ladders, never put new shoes on the table, don't put up an umbrella indoors, touching wood, black cats crossing your path and throwing salt over the left shoulder if any is spilt.
In the main hall are displays about witch marks, broomsticks, things kept or done for protection against evil spirits and the saving of lucky charms.
The kitchen displays tell of the magic surrounding apples in Elizabethan times.
All around the house are details of the way Elizabethan (and I assume those before and after) people dealt with their fears and superstitions.
In the Long Gallery details of 'witches' - often just wise and capable women - and the way they were treated.
The rooms adjacent to the main hall dealt with the themes of lotions and potions, poisons and herbs for healing, the fear of some birds and animals who were thought to bring bad luck.
Apologies for some of the photos not being of great quality as lighting was very low - for obvious reasons. The whole place was very atmospheric.
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Looks like a lovely seasonal visit and I have to say I relate to all those superstitions. Watch out anyone who puts new shoes on the table and salt frequently flies over my shoulder lol! Clearly showing my age. B x
ReplyDeleteThank you B. They all resonate with me too, I still occasionally say touch wood. I also remember another superstition about not passing on stairs, almost impossible not to in places like shops and public buildings:)
DeleteHello Rosie,
ReplyDeleteGosh this seems a very spooky visit. Best to go in the daytime in order not to be frightened completely out of one's wits. Nevertheless, this does seem to have been a very imaginative and apposite exhibition for the season. Hopefully, no small children or adults were distraught.....:):)
Thank you Jane and Lance, we were there just after it opened in the morning so it wasn't too daunting with sunlight streaming through the windows. I expect evening visitors or those visiting on dark days would feel the spooky effect more. Not many little ones when we visit but the one or two there loved the room full of wands and witchy hats:)
DeleteI love Haddon Hall, haven't been for ages. I remember they had a great cafe/ restaurant that you could go to without going into the hall...but I daresay that has changed now. I have always wanted to go to their Christmas event. The displays about witches and superstitions looks so interesting and in just the right setting.
ReplyDeleteHello and thank you for visiting, the café is still there, separate from the hall although I'm not sure if you can access it without paying at the gate. We had a meal there with friends one Christmas and both meal and decorations in the hall were wonderful. It certainly was a great place for the Magic exhibition:)
DeleteWhat a great, atmospheric exhibition, didn't they do it well, not only the displays but all the witchy information. Great photos Rosie especially in the dark. 😊
ReplyDeleteThank you CK, it was a wonderful exhibition with so much information about the thoughts, fears and beliefs of the time. I was hoping there might have been a small booklet produced but couldn't find one in the shop, perhaps that will come later:)
DeleteWhat a wonderful and interesting exhibition. It looks so atmospheric especially at this time of the year. Thanks so much for sharing the photos. I don't think I have ever been to Haddon Hall and it looks worth a visit. Have a good weekend and take care.
ReplyDeleteThank you Caroline, Haddon is my favourite of all the Derbyshire houses. We used to love visiting when the Tudor Group did re-enactments there, that doesn't seem to happen any more. It's a wonderful place to visit at any time of year. Hope you have a good Halloween:)
DeleteHaddon Hall is one of my favourite places but I haven't been there for ages. This looks to be a very interesting event and not too scary!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Ellie
Thank you Ellie, Haddon is one of my favourite places too and we hadn't been for quite a while. It was a good exhibition and fitted in the hall so well, not too scary either but very interesting:)
DeleteWhat an interesting exhibition, very appropriate for this season of the year.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lorrie, it was just right for the season. I think it closed yesterday so they will be getting ready for Christmas now:)
DeleteWhat a wonderful exhibition! A lot of work must have gone into those displays. X
ReplyDeleteThank you Jules, it was a super exhibition and yes, an awful lot of work and research had gone into it, just right for this time of year:)
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