THE LUMINAIRE
A WORLD OF NEW PERSPECTIVES The Luminaire is more than a travel company, it is a collection of curious minds. We passionately believe that seeing the world through a new lens has the power to positively transform our guests’ perspectives. Unique destinations are home to our Guild of leading experts, who build personal connections with each of our guests to create singular journeys of discovery that immerse them in all fields of culture, history, and the natural world. Each experience is as individual as those they are created for, carefully crafted to protect the world for future generations, and inspiring others to do the same. Funded by 1% of our sales, The Luminaire Foundation’s aim is to protect the legacy and longevity of the places, people, and objects we explore.
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W E S T C O U N T RY A PHOTOGRAPHIC ADVENTURE WITH SIR DON MCCULLIN CBE
Sir Don McCullin CBE has a relationship with the wild countryside of Somerset that dates back to his childhood, when he was evacuated to the county to escape the London Blitz. Returning to live here some forty years later, he increasingly turned his attention to landscape photography, taking simple natural elements and transforming them into dramatic compositions recalling some of his legendary images chronicling the horrors of war. Over four days, The Luminaire offers rare and privileged access to the world’s greatest living photojournalist, with a private meeting in an intimate setting, where Sir Don shares his stories and invaluable advice. Staying at an exceptional country house, practise newlyenhanced photography skills on expert-led photoshoots in some of the UK’s most remarkable countryside locations and enjoy the best of the West Country’s celebrated produce prepared by talented local chefs in the comfort of your home in Somerset.
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THE EXPERT YOUR GUIDE IN THE PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE
SIR DON MCCULLIN CBE PHOTOJOURNALIST Sir Don McCullin CBE was born in London in 1935, where his early childhood experiences of poverty instilled in him a deep empathy with the deprived communities and the trauma of war that would later form the subjects of some of his most arresting photography. Shortly after the outbreak of the Second World War, Don was evacuated to Somerset and the happy years he spent here left an indelible impression. Don’s love for the county never left him and he returned to live here in the 1980s. WEST COUNTRY
Don’s interest in photography developed during his time in National Service, and he sold his first photograph to a newspaper in 1958, beginning his decades-long career in photojournalism. He travelled the world, documenting war zones in Cyprus, Africa and, perhaps most vividly, Vietnam. His 1968 photograph of a shell-shocked US marine is considered one of the most haunting images of war ever captured. More recently, Don has authored a number of books and focused on chronicling the English countryside, creating dramatic monochrome compositions of seemingly timeless landscapes.
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DAY 1 ENTERING THE CREATIVE WORLD OF SIR DON MCCULLIN CBE
ARRIVAL Arrive in the Somerset market town of Bruton, an ancient settlement recorded in the Domesday Book and today a thriving cultural centre. At the Hauser & Wirth gallery, enjoy welcome drinks with an art expert, who leads an exclusive tour of this pioneering gallery and multi-purpose arts centre. Opened in 2014, the gallery is part of a global network of art institutions, with locations in London, New York, Zurich and Menorca, acclaimed for their pioneering approach to staging and interpreting contemporary works. In 2020 the gallery held an exhibition of Sir Don McCullin’s landscape photography, illustrating his intimate relationship with the Somerset countryside, alongside his powerful evocations of remote Asian and African vistas. Are there echoes of Sir Don’s haunting images of war to be found in the composition of his stark monochrome
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landscapes? The resident expert discusses Sir Don’s influences and approach to photographic technique in this inspiring setting. Explore the gallery’s impressive gardens, conceived by internationally renowned Dutch landscape architect Piet Oudolf and carefully planted to provide a painterly canvas of loose form and changing colour. The gardens are watched over by the Radić Pavilion, an extraordinary futuristic folly designed by the Chilean architect Smiljan Radić.
EVENING The first team of carefully selected chefs, representing the finest culinary talent of the West Country, prepares a private dinner this evening. A thoughtfully created menu features authentic local produce, all grown or reared within 30 miles of the property. The house provides every comfort for a relaxing evening, perhaps ending with a nightcap in the drawing room.
Departing the gallery, it’s a short drive to home for the next three nights, a traditional country house in Somerset. Share a fireside drink or step outside to view the peaceful gardens. Experience the welcoming English country home atmosphere before sitting down to dinner.
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DAY 2 JOURNEYING BETWEEN NATURAL AND IMAGINED LANDSCAPES
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Privileged access is granted for a private tour of the world-famous landscaped gardens of Stourhead, accompanied by a leading expert. Built in 1725, Stourhead was one of the first Neo-Palladian houses in England. The gardens, originally laid out in the following decades, were designed to represent an idealised view of nature, as contained and perfected by man, presenting a series of artfully contrived viewpoints surrounded by the rolling hills of Somerset.
The day continues in Cranborne Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covering some 380 square miles spread across four counties. An experienced photographer from The Westcountry Set leads a professional photoshoot, discovering the wild natural beauty of this very special place. Cranborne Chase is a collection of rich and diverse landscapes including chalk grasslands, ancient woodlands, escarpments and chalk river valleys, all of which provide precious habitats for wildlife and endangered plant species. This area also encompasses at least 550 Scheduled Ancient Monuments. The photographer uses their extensive knowledge and expertise to identify the most promising locations for photography, exploring the diversity of landforms, colours and textures that abound in this unspoiled countryside environment.
How do the diverse elements of the managed and the local landscapes complement each other to create this vision? Explore the various vantage points overlooking the large lake, presenting ever-changing views of temples, grottoes and a profusion of rare and exotic trees – vistas said to said to have been inspired by the paintings of Claude Lorrain and Nicolas Poussin. A champagne picnic is arranged by the Temple of Apollo. It’s a perfect opportunity to relax and reflect amid beautiful surroundings.
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regarded chefs using the finest local ingredients. There is a chance to learn more about this local produce from a selection of local suppliers visiting the house. This region has been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve and after dinner the photographer returns to lead a night-time photography session. An expert from Bath’s Herschel Museum of Astronomy is also on hand to decipher the skies over a nightcap.
EVENING Returning home, there is time to settle down and regroup over drinks before dinner, prepared by a team of highly-
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DAY 3 AN UNFORGETTABLE MEETING WITH THE LEGENDARY SIR DON MCCULLIN CBE
MORNING Experience the rare privilege of a personal visit by the world’s greatest living photojournalist, Sir Don McCullin CBE. Join Sir Don in the comfort of the drawing room for a relaxed and intimate fireside talk over coffee, as he tells fascinating stories from his distinguished decades-long career spent capturing conflict and shares his continuing passion for the art of photography. With photographs captured over the preceding day’s excursion on display, Sir Don offers his advice and discusses his own work with landscape photography in Somerset. Learn about the techniques Sir Don uses to capture his dramatic and sometimes ominous images and why he chooses certain locations, such as the dew pond a few miles from his house, which he has photographed repeatedly over the years. What are the elements he looks for to create the perfect image?
of wooded hills, rocky outcrops and spectacular gorges will present countless opportunities to practise a variety of techniques. The perfect setting to create images under the guidance of Sir Don, capture the interplay of light and shadow in lonely, hidden corners and the starkness of wild nature.
EVENING Return home to relax with drinks in the drawing room as the acclaimed chefs in the kitchen prepare a memorable meal for the final night. Discover more about the food on tonight’s menu from the producers themselves, and a sommelier leads a wine tasting, using wine sourced from vineyards in Devon and Cornwall.
AFTERNOON Put newly acquired skills to the test as the day continues in the Mendip Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty overlooking the Somerset Levels. On a rare photographic expedition led by Sir Don, the awe-inspiring landscape
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DAY 4 EXPERIENCING THE HEART OF THE WEST COUNTRY
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Spend time exploring Somerset. One of Sir Don’s other great passions in life is antique collecting, and he enjoys browsing in some of the excellent antique shops to be found close by. Quillon Antiques is a particular favourite, selling an interesting mix of 18th-century country furniture, militaria and paintings. Bruton has an eclectic selection of boutiques, as does the neighbouring town of Castle Cary, which is also home to the David Simon Contemporary gallery, specialising in modern British painting, sculpture and ceramics.
Head homeward. For those wishing to extend their time in this beguiling corner of the world, onward adventures in Devon, Cornwall or the Cotswolds can be organised.
On request, a varied selection of excursions and activities can be arranged. Todber Manor Fisheries, in Dorset, is a highly-recommended venue for lake fishing while Montacute House, described as a ‘masterpiece of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture’ is one of the finest historic homes in the region, renowned for its grand gardens. Another possibility is Haynes International Motor Museum, with its collection of more than 400 classic cars and motorbikes.
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ENLIGHTENED TRAVEL, SHAPED BY YOU Choose a location anywhere on earth, from the culture of Europe to the wilds of Patagonia, and share your passions with us. Whether your interest lies in the classical roots of history and art, following the trail of Renaissance masters across Italy, or your curiosity is piqued by science or the natural world, discovering the deep connectivity of trees in an ancient rainforest, our Guild of experts will add substance and purpose to one-off experiences, shaped by you. The Luminaire selects properties of historical or cultural provenance, shares private access, and creates engaging and accessible ways to participate and learn, for a community of curious minds, young and old.
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WHEN TO TRAVEL AUTUMN
DATES OF NOTE WINTER
PHOTO LONDON Set in Somerset House, the photography fair brings together the world’s leading galleries and dealers, as well as emerging artists. 12th May – 15th May 2022 THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE A long weekend celebrating Her Majesty The Queen, marking 70 years of service. 2nd June – 5th June 2022 GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL The biggest outdoor music festival in the UK. 22nd June – 26th June 2022
SUMMER
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SPRING
CONTACT Paul Eccles-James paul@theluminaire.com theluminaire.com @theluminaire.com
TERMS & CONDITIONS All elements included in the itinerary are subject to availability at the time of travel. Full terms & conditions will be sent at the time of booking.
FRIEZE LONDON One of the world’s leading fairs for modern and contemporary art, based in Regent’s Park. 12th October – 16th October 2022
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