Parnham Park, located in Dorset just off the Jurassic Coast, is one of the region’s oldest and most historically significant stately homes. It stands as a testament to the timeless elegance and grandeur of its era with roots dating back to the 1400s. Located in a valley with the River Britt running through it, the estate has witnessed centuries of change and evolution, making it a truly iconic Grade 1 listed British country estate. The current house was originally constructed around 1522 by Robert Strode, a prosperous cloth merchant, and remained in the Strode family for generations. The Strodes were influential in the region, with the wool trade playing a central role in the local economy during this period.

In the early 19th century, the house underwent significant alterations under the guidance of renowned architect John Nash. Known for his contributions to the Regency style, Nash was responsible for many iconic buildings, including Regent Park and Buckingham Palace in London as well as landmarks such as the triumphal Marble Arch. His vision for Parnham Park was to enhance its decorative Georgian elegance, further cementing its status as one of Dorset’s finest residences.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Parnham Park continued to evolve. It became the home of William Rhodes-Moorhouse, a decorated airman in World War I and the first Royal Flying Corps member to receive the Victoria Cross. Fittingly, both William and his son William Henry Rhodes-Moorhouse, who died in the Battle of Britain, are buried on the estate, overlooking the house. During World War II, Parnham served as an American airbase, where General Dwight D. Eisenhower visited while planning the D-Day invasion.

In the 1970s, John Makepeace, an award winning furniture designer, transformed Parnham into a School of Craftsmanship in Wood, attracting artisans and woodworkers from around the world, including in the early days the Queen’s nephew Viscount Linley. The estate was later restored as a private home, though it was sadly ravaged by a devastating fire in 2017. Harnessing his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for architecture and heritage, James Perkins took on the challenge of restoring the estate and has created a masterplan to turn it into an immersive hospitality experience much like that of Aynhoe Park, with plans to work with leading architectural designer Thomas Heatherwick.

James Perkins: A Visionary Collector, Conceptual Artist and Curator

At the beating heart of the exceptional Parnham collection lies a visionary whose passion for art and respect for natural history has led him to build an extraordinary new personal collection that reflects this new family home here on the Jurassic Coast. More than a music entrepreneur, Perkins is a self-taught curator and conceptual artist with a distinctive ability to see and communicate the deeper narratives within objects. His collection is an embodiment of his belief that objects should not simply be owned - they should be experienced, shared and celebrated as living pieces of history. Here Perkins has curated an environment that transcends the boundaries of time – spanning 200 million years. Each object within the collection at Parnham Park tells a story, reflecting Perkins’ lifelong fascination with the beauty of art and nature in it’s sculptural form and how each piece is intentionally chosen to challenge perceptions, spark conversation, and stir intellectual curiosity.

From a collection that boasts whole skeletons of Mammoth proportions to art by renowned contemporary creators like Damien Hirst and Jacques Duval Brasseur, Perkins’ ability to blend historical with modern aesthetics defines his approach and grants every piece an air of timelessness while still feeling cutting-edge. It is this distinctive curatorial philosophy that makes his collection so remarkable and enticing to collectors from around the globe.

As a conceptual artist, Perkins’ works often marry whimsical design with classical elements. They evoke curiosity, wonder, and joy and every room at Parnham Park tells a larger story, a journey of discovery through the worlds of art, culture, and natural history.

A Modern Grand Tour: Reinterpreting the Classical Journey and the embracing of the Jurassic legacy

The concept of the Grand Tour, which flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries, involved young Europeans traveling across the continent to experience its art, culture, and history. James Perkins’ A Modern Grand Tour reimagines this tradition for a new generation of collectors, drawing on the same sense of adventure, discovery, and appreciation for beauty. However, Perkins’ vision takes the Grand Tour beyond the boundaries of traditional travel, embracing an eclectic mix of genres, time periods, and mediums. From paleontological wonders that evoke the distant past to contemporary art pieces that reflect today’s artistic landscape, Perkins’ collection invites visitors to experience history, design, and culture in a completely new light.

In the rooms of Parnham Park, each object tells a story - whether it is a prehistoric fossil, a work by a contemporary master, or a bespoke piece of furniture crafted by British artisans. Every corner of the estate invites visitors to embark on a journey of discovery, to explore the intersection of history, art, and design, and to reflect on the narratives that have shaped our world. The collection is a celebration of what it means to be a collector, blending the excitement of discovery with the joy of ownership. Perkins’ Modern Grand Tour is not just an aesthetic experience; it is an intellectual and emotional journey that challenges perceptions and stirs the imagination.

A New Chapter for Parnham Park: Legacy and Restoration

As with any great collection, the auction of the contents of Parnham Park marks the beginning of a new chapter. The proceeds from the sale will support the continued restoration and revitalisation of this much loved historic estate, ensuring that its architectural integrity is preserved for future generations.

The funds will also support Perkins’ vision of establishing Parnham Park as a premier destination for art lovers, design enthusiasts, and heritage seekers, with the hope of creating a lasting legacy - one that honours the rich history of the property while embracing the future of art, design, and collecting. 

The Modern Grand Tour auction at Parnham Park represents more than just a sale; it is an invitation to become part of a unique journey - one that blends the beauty of the past with the creativity of the present, all set within the magnificent surroundings of one of the most extraordinary estates in England.

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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

PARNHAM PARK RESTAURANT
Reservations: therestaurant@parnhampark.co.uk
+44 (0) 1308 341 341