Destination: Saltram, travelling the world through the collections

Destination: Saltram is a new pop-up exhibition exploring the world through the collections of the eighteenth century National Trust house near Plymouth. Opening on Saturday 7 May, the temporary exhibition will run until Sunday 26 June.

A two-hundred year old vase from misty Japanese mountains, tales of heroism and tragedy from Ancient Greece, and risqué painted mirrors imported from far-away China; visitors to Saltram will travel the world and through time during their stay.

A key item on display will be Saltram’s portrait of John Parker the 1st Earl by American portraitist Gilbert Stuart, who was famous for painting the image of George Washington on the one-dollar bill.

Louise Ayres, House and Collections Manager says, “Destination: Saltram is a chance for us to share the international connections here at Saltram. Our collections are world-class and represent four corners of the globe.”

Other items on display include a volume of prints by a favourite artist of Queen Victoria, David Roberts, famed for his depictions of Ancient Egyptian ruins.

Visitors can uncover secret messages on postcards around the house and on objects in the garden as part of the ‘Destination Reveal Trail’; and plot their adventures on an interactive map as they chose their route around the world.

The Parkers of Saltram were a well-travelled family who loved to write about and document their trips. Montagu Parker, the 5th Earl, was a keen amateur photographer who spent a lot of time photographing the places he visited. Saltram has several volumes of Monty’s work in the exhibition - a fantastic opportunity to see something never on display before.

Destination: Saltram will be open every day during normal house opening, 12noon – 4.30pm (last entry 3.45pm). Normal admissions apply and National Trust members go free.