Key People in the History of Dartington

For many, Dartington is best known for its gardens, fine medieval courtyard and as a venue for conferences and concerts. However, it has always been much more, as the home of a diverse family of activities and ventures – international as well as local, modern and innovative as well as traditional. More fundamentally, Dartington was never one thing, but always many things. Even at its origins, when Leonard Elmhirst described it in the 1920s as a scientific experiment in rural regeneration, it was already more than that, with a radical school, a growing arts programme, and a reputation for innovation in other areas.

The Elmhirsts had neither a blueprint nor an ideology for the Dartington project. They brought to it loosely defined aspirations owing much to Leonard’s work with Tagore, and Dorothy’s passion for the arts, gardens and social welfare – as well as resources, energy, and continuing commitment.

Its early achievement included the creation of the Dartington Hall School, which became a major innovative force in educational practice for more than sixty years. At the same time there were new initiatives in agriculture, forestry, cattle breeding, textiles and other areas. In each of these fields Dartington became an exemplar, with new work that influenced practice much more widely.

Major modern architects peppered the Estate with new buildings, and a succession of enterprises sought to explore new approaches to education, land use, research and the arts. The period from 1925 to the outbreak of the Second World War was one of uninhibited invention.

In post war years the pace slowed, but the achievements were no less considerable. Britain’s first truly rural arts centre was opened at Beaford, Dartington Glass ( now crystal) was created in North Devon, the 19th century Tamar port at Morwellham was opened as a visitor and education centre, training for adults was initiated on a large scale.

The Dartington International Summer School came to Dartington in 1953, and has become one of the glories of musical life in England. In more recent times Schumacher College and the Dartington Plus programme have added to the tradition of educational innovation.

The achievements are many, but perhaps its greatest is less obvious. It has shown an enduring capacity to attract those who had some important contribution to make to the wider world, and has supported and encouraged them to do so. The consequence has been a remarkable creative legacy in many fields.

In the 1930s George Bernard Shaw, who knew Dartington well, called it ‘ a salon in the countryside.’ Whether or not he meant it as a compliment, it was an apt description. Then and now it has attracted musicians, artists, writers and craftspeople.

If you are interested in reading more about the key achievements and key people associated with The Dartington Hall Trust since its conception, please click here to download a PDF of the full text, ‘A Salon in the Countryside‘, by Ivor Stolliday.

About Dartington

Key People in the History of Dartington