One of the region's finest stately homes is hosting an exhibition that celebrates the region's most charming scenery.

Eastern Daily Press: Thomas Leveritt in his studio with recent works. His artwork will be on show at Somerleyton Hall throughout the summer season. Picture: David SampsonThomas Leveritt in his studio with recent works. His artwork will be on show at Somerleyton Hall throughout the summer season. Picture: David Sampson (Image: David Sampson ©)

Somerleyton Hall is the venue for 'Suffolk by Nature', which features recent work by renowned artist and film maker, Thomas Leveritt.

The title is heavily influenced by Jason Gathorne-Hardy, a prominent figure in Suffolk art whose mud paintings and intense love of the county made for significant inspiration. He remains a good friend of the Somerleyton family and his Alde Valley festival has become something of a cult event.

Mr Leveritt's exhibiton reflects his growing love for Suffolk life as much as its landscape - a far cry from his former life as a filmmaker in New York City.

Lord Somerleyton said: 'I am a very visual person and try and capture some of that through photography but, when an artist seems to virtually download how you see treasured landscapes that you have grown up with, it really is extraordinary and emotional.'

Eastern Daily Press: Somerleyton Hall and Gardens. Picture: Nick ButcherSomerleyton Hall and Gardens. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2015)

A private view of the exhibition took place at the end of March and it is now available for members of the public to view throughout the 2018 summer season.

The viewing also provided a chance to show off the hall's most recent commissioned work, a reimagining of Joseph Wright of Derby's 'Academy by Lamplight' some 250 years after it was painted. The internationally pre-eminent work had hung at Somerleyton until being sold in December last year.

Lady Somerleyton added: 'It struck me as far more relevant to reimagine this exceptional work and far more flattering to Joseph Wright of Derby, whose self-portrait we have included in the new piece.

'Naturally, we hope it will become as studied and renowned as the original. In any event, it has been tremendous fun working with Thomas on it and we are thrilled with how it's developing.'

Thomas Leveritt's 'Suffolk by Nature' exhibition is available to view by booking a hall tour as part of a visit to Somerleyton Hall and Gardens, which is open on select days until October.

Visit the Somerleyton Estate website to find out more information or to make a booking; private bookings can be made by emailing info@somerleyton.co.uk or calling 0871 222 4244.