Since its creation as a hunting lodge nearly 400 years ago, the walls of Kiplin Hall have heard music of all kinds. From the trumpet of the hunting horn to scales and arpeggios on the piano, visitors are invited to follow the beat back through the centuries in a new music themed exhibition.
Alongside the exhibition a trail has been created in the historic rooms of the hall. Museum staff and volunteers were invited to share what music comes to mind when they think of a certain object, person, or place from Kiplin’s past. These notions have been collected and displayed in the hall with a digital link to the music playlist.
Visitors can listen to the track on their own smart devices in the museum, or later at home, using the well-known app Spotify.
Today we meet Rob Pepper, archive volunteer and room steward who links his chosen track to a portrait of Lady Tyrconnel, painted by Siegfried Bendixen in 1833. Lady Tyrconnel was also known as Sarah Crowe, the 4th generation of Crowes to live at Kiplin. She married John Delaval Carpenter, 4th Earl Tyrconnel in 1817. Sarah inherited Kiplin in 1818, her husband became a ‘tenant for life’ rather than the outright owner.
Rob picked the track ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go?’ by The Clash because “Recently we have discovered some documents that suggest Lord and Lady Tyrconnel’s relationship went through a rough patch. This song seems to sum it up!” Although the past can sometimes feel like a different world, the basic ups and downs of marital life are perhaps universal.
Join us next week as we explore the next stop on the trail. From the punk rockers The Clash to a French folk song. Kiplin Hall and Gardens is open 6 days a week, closed on Thursdays. Visitors who wish to enjoy the Spotify trail in the museum are asked to bring their own headphones. Live music can be enjoyed at Afternoon Tunes events on Sundays in May. Taking to lawns this Sunday 26th May, members of the much loved Northallerton Male Voice Choir.
