'James Perkins: A Modern Day Alchemist' by Henrietta Thompson

As an artist, collector, and modern-day alchemist, James Perkins’ noticeable rise was with Aynhoe Park, a 17th-century Palladian mansion, complete with Capability Brown grounds. It was restored and reimagined as a dreamscape. Here, you might have as easily encountered a Triceratops’ skull, dating back to 65 million years ago, as a Dalek, dating back to, well… the time traveling adventures of Dr Who. Your aperitif was likely served by an 18ft crocodile, there was a flying giraffe in a stunning Orangerie, and you left knowing unicorns were unequivocally real (weren’t they?).

Aynhoe became a place of pilgrimage and delight, of celebration and spectacle, and it had to be seen to be believed. Those who had seen it would never imagine it could be repeated, and it couldn’t. But at Parnham Park, Perkins has somehow actually done it again. Taking his uniquely fantastical vision to new heights, literally and figuratively, the pieces at Parnham are even more eye-popping in scale, this time inspired by the enchanting allure of the estate and its Jurassic Coast context.

In a twist of history that only James Perkins could pull off, this third chapter of A Modern Grand Tour shines a brighter light on Perkins’ own artworks - works that are both rooted in deep time and wildly speculative. The historical setting - Parnham Park - once devastated by fire - is re-emerging as a new mythic realm. Other-worldly and alive, it is stately yet delightfully surreal and steeped in stories: a magnet for the supremely stylish and the seasoned collector alike.

A Modern Grand Tour continues to be informed as much by archaeology as fashion, by music as much as by the moon. Perkins’ approach has always been playful, looking at preservation through a lens of reinvention and unlimited imagination. Breathing new life into old stones and rare bones these pieces are timeless in a true sense - never blandly classic but transcendent and surprising. Taking us back 180 million years ancient.

There are UFOs hovering over traditional landscapes, and a majestic view of the monumental Stonehenge, unforgettably titled The A303; a loving and ludicrous tribute to the ancient thoroughfare. From the most ancient past to far hypothetical futures, the world of Parnham Park is one in which millennia collide. His ‘Wild Things’ from the Full Moon Masquerade series, with names like Night Owl, Badger, Rogue and Cougar, suggest an imagined cast of highwaymen, eccentrics and watchful spirits. His Out of this World Series inserts flying saucers into Georgian skies. And then there’s the giraffe - in Louboutin-red heels, naturally.

What unites these pieces is an instinct for storytelling and subversion, and a kind of visual mischief that makes even the most serious fossil seem animated with energy. For Perkins, preservation is never about stasis, it’s about reinvention, reanimation, and surprise.

Curiosity is infectious, and with A Modern Grand Tour, there is always another quest to embark on, another question to leave unanswered. What, we wonder, will happen next?

Highlights from the James Perkins Studio

The Full Moon Masquerade Series 'Wild Things'

James’ latest series of portraits, titled ‘Wild Things’, creatively reimagines 19th-century portrait paintings by incorporating imaginative elements to individual characters. In this series he plays with the idea of the masquerade formal balls and human animalistic alter egos, with their roots in 15th-century Venetian Carnival and Renaissance celebrations, evolving from masked revelry into elaborate court spectacles, eventually becoming popular social events in high society across the finest homes in Europe, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. 

The personal touches, transform these classic and often notable character portraits into intriguing ancestors that seem to tell their own rich and relatable family tapestry that seeps through every wall of Parnham House.

A series of playful handmade woodland creature masks, inspired by the enchanting wildlife of Parnham Park and the mystical idea of nocturnal woodlands coming to life, blur the boundaries between nature and humanity. The masks offer a playful exploration of identity, inviting the wearer to step into another persona and experience the wild, untamed personality of the Parnham parkland.

Within the castellated walls of Parnham, guests don their masks and are transported into a world where both human and animal spirits awaken, coming to life in a harmonious dance of nature and society under the full moon.

Out of this World Series

Paintings that cover myth, fable & other worldly sightings make up James Perkins's Out of this World series. At a time when space travel feels closer than ever and whispers of visitors to our planet have circulated since ancient civilisations, James set out to research and capture these moments across past, present, and future. The series introduces otherworldly visitors onto historical canvases, blending the past with the present in a way that challenges our perception of time and reality. It suggests that the mysteries of the universe may be closer to fact than fiction.

Full Moon, 2012

Full Moon is a strikingly detailed oil painting by James Perkins. Celebrated for his ability to evoke profound narratives through his work, this piece, one of Perkins’ most appreciated creations, captures the illuminated moon in exquisite detail, inviting the viewer to reflect on both its natural beauty and symbolic significance. The artwork seems to transcend mere representation, provoking thoughts of mankind’s future in space and the aspirational daydreams of the Grand Tour era - an era that dreamed of new frontiers and the possibilities of human exploration.

The moon, an eternal presence in our night skies, serves as a constant reminder of the vast and mysterious universe beyond our reach. In Full Moon, Perkins conveys a sense of both timelessness and anticipation, capturing the moon not only as a celestial body but as a metaphor for the inevitable march of progress. It evokes the boundless optimism of the future, a future where humanity’s dreams of travelling to the moon may one day be realised. This piece speaks to our shared global experience, reminding us that no matter where we are on Earth, the moon remains a universal symbol of hope, discovery, and the infinite possibilities that await.

Dark Side of the Moon

In Dark Side of the Moon, James Perkins invites the viewer into a more introspective realm, where the moon’s shadowed hemisphere - often referred to as the “dark side”—becomes a profound symbol of the unknown. The artist’s masterful use of oil paints creates a hauntingly beautiful depiction of the moon’s hidden face, one that remains largely out of view from Earth. This obscurity, both literal and metaphorical, evokes feelings of mystery and contemplation, compelling us to reflect on the vastness of space and the enigma of the universe that lies beyond our understanding.

The “dark side” in Perkins’ piece represents more than just a physical location - it embodies the hidden, the unexplored, and the unexplained elements of existence. The mood of the painting is sombre yet captivating, offering an invitation to delve into the depths of our own thoughts and emotions. In capturing this celestial enigma, Perkins speaks to the human condition itself - our constant pursuit of knowledge and the inevitable allure of what remains out of reach. Through this painting, he confronts us with the vastness of space, a reminder of how much of the universe remains beyond our grasp, yet how it continues to shape our curiosity and imagination.

The Model

James’ The Model is an extraordinary and thought-provoking piece that explores both the whimsical and the surreal. At its core, the sculpture presents the skeletal form of a giraffe, meticulously crafted to capture the elegance and grandeur of this magnificent creature. The giraffe’s towering frame, with its long, slender legs and delicate bones, is a striking representation of fragility and grace.

However, what sets The Model apart is the artist’s unique vision: the giraffe’s skeletal structure is paired with a pair of high-heeled shoes in the unmistakable style of Christian Louboutin, complete with their signature red lacquered soles. These heels, often associated with glamour and luxury, are juxtaposed against the raw, skeletal form of the giraffe, creating an unexpected yet compelling contrast.

This playful yet thought-provoking combination evokes James’ long-standing observation that giraffes appear to be perpetually standing on their tiptoes. By incorporating the Louboutin heels, the artist brings this idea to life, presenting the giraffe in an exaggerated, almost human-like pose. The result is both humorous and poignant, highlighting themes of beauty, fragility, and the often absurd fusion of nature and luxury.

The Golden Rhino 'S.O.S Save Our Souls'

The Golden Rhino ‘SOS Save our Souls’ is a striking work created by James Perkins in collaboration with Based Upon. This thought-provoking piece blends powerful symbolism with an urgent call to action, addressing the fragile state of our planet and its wildlife. The golden hue of the rhinoceros, central to the composition, serves as both a symbol of endangered beauty and a poignant reminder of the need for preservation, while the “SOS” embedded within the shield calls attention to the global crises threatening both nature and humanity. The work challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of value, suggesting that the true worth of wildlife lies not in its exploitation, but in its preservation.

Drawing from Perkins’ deep commitment to environmental causes and Based Upon’s expertise in contemporary craftsmanship, this artwork challenges viewers to confront the ecological and social issues of our time. Through this collaboration, the artists provide a visually stunning yet sobering narrative, urging reflection on the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding our world’s most vulnerable species.

James Perkins, renowned for his evocative and socially conscious works, joins forces with Based Upon, a celebrated creative studio known for its unique approach to art and design, in creating a piece that resonates on both an emotional and intellectual level.

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Auction Details

Tuesday 13 May, 10.30am BST
Auction venue: Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE
Viewing venue: Parnham Park, Beaminster, Dorset DT8 3LZ

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VIEWING:

• Viewing at Parnham Park, Dorset | Entrance with catalogue only (admits two)
  • Friday 9 May: 10.30am-5pm
  • Saturday 10 May: 10.30am-5pm
  • Sunday 11 May: 10.30am-5pm
  • Monday 12 May: 10.30am-5pm

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