Hamza Yassin Appearing at Waddesdon Manor
A chance for little ones to meet and greet Hamza Yassin
This summer, Waddesdon Manor has taken a flight of fancy with a festival of feathered friends that
promises to be fun for all the family.
A whole host of bird-themed exhibitions, interactive events and outdoor activities have swooped down
upon Waddesdon for the entire season (22 May until 27 October 2024), offering something for everyone,
whether you are a fledgling enthusiast or a wise expert.
A highlight is taking place on Saturday 8 June, when self-confessed nature nerd, Hamza Yassin will be
giving a 45-minute talk at the Powerhouse (1-1.45pm).Hamza will present My Life Behind the Lens, exploring his love of all things in the natural world and wildlife in all its glory. The gifted cameraman, photographer, writer and BBC TV presenter will also be signing copies of his latest book Be a Birder.
Little Ones Can Meet Hamza
Any little ones who are fans of Hamza have the chance to meet and greet with him along with a photo
opportunity. Come along between 10.30 and 12pm and listen to Hamza as he talks about his passion of
wildlife and birds, at the 19th century-built Aviary, which is filled with lots of colourful and exotic birds.
You can find out more and book tickets here.
Already home to hundreds of beautiful birds, the recently restored Aviary is a treasure trove of exotic and
endangered species. There’s no need for binoculars in this part of the bird-spotting trail, as children can getup close with lots of colourful and noisy songbirds. There’s the chance to see the rare Socorro Dove or how about the Painted Bunting which, as the name suggests, is a glorious mix of blue, red, yellow and green. Then there are the Indian Hill Mynahs who will probably be wanting a chat, as they’re often heard saying “hello”, beeping like a lorry reversing, or laughing heartily.
There’s also the chance to tell a secret to the birds with an interactive art installation that translates your
words into birdsong! The multisensory sculpture, Tell it to the Birds, created by contemporary artist Jenny
Kendler (b.1980) allows visitors to whisper a message, but as your words are translated into chirps, calls
and chirrups, the meaning will stay between you and the birds.
The gardens are also having an avian-inspired artistic intervention. Two impressive 3D bedding bird
sculptures will be showing off their fancy plumage during the summer months, and on the Parterre, a
specially designed carpet bed will translate a drawing of two orioles into a complex living mosaic made up of over 25,000 succulent plants. The orioles are inspired by the artistry of the famous bird-painter on porcelain, Louis-Denis Armand (1723-1796) who’s brilliance has hatched the entire season as the Manor hosts Fights of Fancy, the first ever exhibition solely focused on the artist. Widely acknowledged as the finest painter of birds at the world-famous Sèvres factory in 18th- century France, visitors can step out of the sun and into the Manor to see a survey of porcelain, paintings and drawings. Joining Waddesdon’s own fantastic collection of will be nearly 50 loans from private collections.
And more birds have broken free this summer with a series of interventions by paper artist Andy
Singleton, who has been inspired by the collection, the Aviary and Armand’s art to create a paper trail of
bird sculptures throughout the Manor. Will you be able to spot them all?
With all this going on over the summer, it won’t just be the jays having a party but anyone who takes a trip to Waddesdon Manor.
