Visitors are invited to discover contemporary art, photography, heritage and landscape this summer as The Rodd, near Presteigne, on the England–Wales border, presents two major international exhibitions across its historic site.
Opening on Saturday, July 11 and running until October 4, the Sidney Nolan Art Prize Exhibition and Earth Photo 2026 will transform this 400 year-old farm and estate into one of the region’s most distinctive cultural destinations.
Artworks and large-scale photography will be displayed throughout the house, gallery, historic buildings, gardens and landscape. The Sidney Nolan Art Prize Exhibition showcases more than 50 artists selected from more than 1,600 international submissions.
Inspired by the legacy of Sir Sidney Nolan CBE (1917-‘92), one of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists, the exhibition brings together drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and installation art by artists from around the world.
Alongside it, Earth Photo 2026 presents an outdoor exhibition of shortlisted and prize-winning photography and film from the internationally renowned Earth Photo art competition, developed by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), Parker Harris and Photoworks.
Exploring themes of people, place, nature and the environment, the exhibition is displayed in large format panels in the historic orchard.
Together, the exhibitions create a unique opportunity for visitors to encounter world-class contemporary art and photography within the remarkable setting of The Rodd.
Sophie Heath, Sidney Nolan Trust director, said: “Sir Sidney Nolan was a pioneer of 20th century art who continually engaged with the challenges of his times.
“We are proud to celebrate Nolan through establishing this new international art prize and delighted to create opportunities to show and see exciting art here at The Rodd, on the Herefordshire-Powys border, where he made his home.”
Antony Mottershead, the trust’s creative producer, added: “Earth Photo is an inspiring and thought-provoking exploration through photography and film of the incredible planet that we live on. It’s something visitors look forward to every year.”
Situated between the market towns of Kington and Presteigne, The Rodd is a rural arts centre and visitor attraction centred around Rodd Court, an atmospheric Jacobean manor house that has been a place for artists and creativity for more than 100 years.
Founded in 1985 by Sir Sidney Nolan and his wife Lady Mary Nolan, the trust cares for an internationally significant collection of Nolan’s art, archive and photography, as well as his only surviving studio.
Visitors can enjoy exhibitions across the site while exploring the traditional orchard, community-run kitchen garden, riverside walks and breathtaking views across the Hindwell Valley. A pop-up café serving refreshments and homemade cakes is also available during the season.
Among the those featured in the art exhibition are Australian-Maltese artist Louisa Chircop and London-based sculptor Beatrice Galletley, reflecting its international reach and diversity.
The exhibitions are included in standard admission and offer an inspiring day out for art lovers, families, walkers and visitors exploring the Herefordshire and Welsh Marches region.
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