The Harley Foundation
Coal Mining Stories
Explore the connections between the Welbeck Estate and coal mining – and celebrate the creativity of Nottinghamshire’s mining communities.
Set up in 1959 to encourage leisurely pursuits for physical and mental wellbeing for the local parishes of Holbeck, Welbeck, Norton and Cuckney.Â
The Harley Foundation was established in 1978 by Ivy, Duchess of Portland. She wanted to ‘encourage creativity in all of us’. True to this vision, the foundation has developed a range of spaces where the imagination can flourish and where we can all enjoy being creative.Â
The School of Artisan Food is an award-winning charity, dedicated to enthusing and helping people from all walks of life to learn about healthy, sustainable and delicious food.Â
Explore the connections between the Welbeck Estate and coal mining – and celebrate the creativity of Nottinghamshire’s mining communities.
Visit to discover a museum of extraordinary objects and fascinating stories. See silver, tapestry, paintings and jewels, plus returning star items that visitors know and love – such as Michelangelo’s ‘Madonna of Silence’ or the pearl earring worn by Charles I at his execution.
Would you like to improve your mental wellbeing? Want to learn a new creative skill? Join the Harley Foundation for a 10-week pottery course in partnership with Nottinghamshire Mind.
The Harley Open exhibition returns with 138 works on show by artists, makers and heritage craft practitioners from across the region.
