Emerald Green, Mineral Green
This autumn, House Guests returns for a third year. For this annual exhibition series, artists, designers and makers are invited to respond to a brief considering the context of the House, the interiors and history of 186 Gwydir Street, Cambridge. The artists’ works take up residence as a guest within the House, among the fixtures, furnishings and decorative schemes from 23rd October until 5th December 2025.
The title for this year is Emerald Green, Mineral Green, featuring selected works from Darren Appiagyei, Rebecca Appleby, Jonathan Baldock, Zahra Coulthard, Glithero, Sarah Gillespie, Leah Gordon, Hannah Lim, Kate MccGwire, Magdalene Odundo, Tom Perkins, Mansi Shouche, and Sid White-Jones.
In his notebook, David Parr described using a mineral green pigment that discoloured over time, later deciding to switch to Emerald Green – a vivid but toxic pigment made from arsenic and copper.
The reference in David's notebook draws attention to the materials used within the Arts and Crafts movement, as well as to the natural themes that inspired its work. It highlights the complex human relationship with nature: one shaped as much by exploitation, manipulation and control as by reverence, solace and admiration for its beauty.
In this spirit, this year’s invited artists explore how we draw inspiration from the natural world, craft from it, and yet so often act in conflict with it.
Please note: The exhibition can be viewed during House Visits from 23rd October to 5th December 2025. Entry to the exhibition is included in a House Visit ticket. Photography is permitted in the House during this period.
