The English countryside is decorated with hundreds of storied piles but few are put to such good use as Dartington. This 14th century estate was bought by Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst in 1925 and together they together they embarked on their “Dartington experiment” inspiring artists, architects and musicians to flock to the site.
The list of landmark events associated with Dartington is remarkable. The post-war Labour manifesto was penned there and it’s where the Arts Council was conceived.
Cut to the present day and their ‘Great Lawn Sessions’ series of concerts picks up this thread, weaving in relaxed performances from musicians of all disciplines in the early evening across the summer months.
The small marquee stage faces the Great Hall, and families convene to share their evening meal from the barbecue, parents cupping plastic pints at the picnic tables as their kids run the gauntlet of the lawn, playing cat and mouse with their imagined huntsman.
I was honoured to be invited to play and it felt good to be singing my songs about the history of glass making in a venue where I knew the previous residents would appreciate them…If only lawns could talk!
Folks gathered under trees for cover from the showers as sunset gently shifted our gaze to the upper branches and leaves, their outline illuminated by the moon.
I sang for those gathered, the ghosts of artists past, and the spirit of the building itself. Once I’d finished the set I wandered inside the “Great Hall” an enchanting spot for a concert – hosting an apocalyptic reverb! I took a moment to visualize the concert I’ll play there next year in June with Max ZT.
The following night Billie Maree was booked to perform with her full band and had I not been engaged in a studio session I’d have camped out overnight on the lawn to catch her set! She’s a compelling live performer I had the pleasure of sharing a stage with on my last visit to Dartington, lyrics drawn from the deep a voice that draws you in and a hypnotic live band.
What a wonderful concept ‘Great Lawn Sessions’ is, bringing original live music to the current community whilst keeping the ethos of the Elmhirst’s remarkable vision alive.
Dan x