On 11/10/2023, I visited Mosley Old Hall with a group of friends. The grounds are beautiful, with a meadow, woodland and a restored 17th century knot garden. In the house there are antique furnishings, tools, and artworks. 

The volunteers were kind and informative, explaining about the rooms and paintings. For example, upstairs there was a painting with a trio of children with dogs on either side, painted by Anthony Van Dyck (1599—1641). I learned that these children were the three eldest of King Charles 1, and that the dogs mean the heir is in the centre of the painting. I also learnt that boys from aristocratic families dressed as girls until they were 7 to prevent being kidnapped, so the girl in the centre is actually a boy!

The visit was wonderful. However, for those seeking to look at more artworks, the collection is limited to mostly portraits and textiles as it is a relatively small house. Also, the windows were quite small so it was difficult to take good pictures. Overall, I enjoyed exploring Mosley Old Hall and would definitely recommend a visit.

Creative Impact:

Van Dyck's portrait of the three children was using oils on canvas, as were most of the paintings in the hall, though the other paintings were by a variety of other artists. I do not use oils often myself, though this visit inspired me to consider using them more in the future and also using symbolism in portraits.

All of the framed artworks at Mosley Old Hall were displayed on the walls, though at other National Trusts, I have seen artworks displayed differently, such as in seasonal exhibitions, like at Hardwick Hall and Whitwick Manor.

Displaying the paintings on the walls of Mosley Old Hall certainly added to the historical feel of the hall, as it helped you feel like you were stepping back in time amongst previous inhabitants of the house, showcasing their clothes and hairstyles.

There were many textiles displayed throughout Mosley Old Hall, from wall hangings to bedspreads and curtains, ranging from the 1600s onwards. Most of these textiles depicted nature, especially flowers and woodlands, using a variety of media, including: silk, embroidery thread and velvet. These also added to the historical ambiance of the house, reflecting that it is a house in the countryside, with beautiful natural surroundings.