The Sidney Nolan Trust

Born in Australia, Sir Sidney Nolan OM AC RA (1917-1992) moved to London in the early 1950s where he remained until buying The Rodd near Presteigne in 1982. He founded the Trust there with his wife Mary (1926-2016) and continued to paint. His Studio remained undisturbed for 25 years after his death, and was opened to the public for the first time in 2017 to celebrate the centenary of his birth. Housed in a 17th century barn, it is Nolan’s only studio to remain in situ. Cans of his favourite spray paints and tins of household enamel, a material Nolan used throughout his career, still line the studio shelves, the flat bench that he worked from is covered in paint brushes, spatulas and paint tins, as if poised for another painting session. Alongside, The Gallery shows paintings from the Trust’s Nolan collection, together with notebooks, catalogues and personal ephemera that offer a privileged insight into the life and work of this visionary artist. Sidney and Mary Nolan wished to preserve the landscape of Rodd Farm, converted it to organic status and delighted in winning prizes for their Welsh Black cattle. The farm is now the setting for the charity that Sidney founded and welcomes artists and visitors alike to enjoy the land as well as Sidney's paintings and studio. The ancient woodland has been managed by coppicing for centuries, ensuring that it is still home to a diverse flora, including wood anemone, enchanter's nightshade, sweet woodruff, primrose, bluebells, archangel, wild garlic, violets and early purple orchids. New footpaths - pick up a map and a list of species to spot on your walk from The Gallery. Walk and parking are free. Since Nolan’s death, the Trust has become a gathering place for artists, scholars and students who meet to exchange ideas and to develop their practice. Others, such as young people from the neighbouring West Midlands, come simply to experience and engage in the arts for the first time. All work with the enduring inspiration of Nolan’s artistic innovation and experimentation and the wonderful resources of the farm and the landscape.