An intimate evening of contemporary art, landscape and conversation at Soho House, Somerset.
In late September 2026, as the sun set over the Somerset countryside, we gathered in the library at Babington House to celebrate the launch of Hannah Rollings' latest art collection. Candlelight flickered across the room, paintings stood on easels between the furniture, and guests settled into sofas and armchairs as conversation began to flow.
Hosted by Bella and Ollie of Bella + Ollie Art, the evening brought together contemporary landscape art, the stories behind the paintings and the people who connect with them.
A Different Way to Experience Art
Art previews can often be lively, bustling affairs, with guests moving between artworks and conversations competing for attention. For our artist talk at Babington House, we wanted to create something a little different.
The evening was designed to feel relaxed, welcoming and open. There was no formal divide between artist and audience, no pressure to know the right questions to ask. Instead, the conversation unfolded naturally, with guests encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions and spend time with the paintings.
The intimate setting made all the difference. With Hannah's artworks displayed around the library, guests could experience the collection up close while hearing directly from the artist herself.
It was a reminder that discovering art doesn't have to feel intimidating or overly formal. Sometimes, all it takes is the right room, an open conversation and the opportunity to look a little closer.
Bringing the Outside In at Babington House
Set within the Somerset countryside, Babington House felt a natural home for Hannah's expressive landscape paintings. The warmth of the library, the soft lighting and the relaxed surroundings created a setting where the artworks could be experienced beyond the traditional white walls of a gallery.
Hannah's paintings carry the memories of the places in which they were created, from the lush tropical gardens of Barbados to the shifting light and colour of the European landscape. Her practice of painting en plein air - working directly outdoors - allows her to respond to a place as she experiences it, capturing not simply its appearance, but something of its atmosphere.
Throughout the evening, Hannah shared the inspirations behind the collection, her creative process, exhibitions and plans for the future, including an upcoming trip to Sri Lanka. Each painting held a story: a particular place, an observation or a feeling that had stayed with her.
Hearing those stories brought another dimension to the work. The collection became more than a series of paintings on easels; it became a window into the artist's world.
The Value of an Artist-Led Evening
One of the most rewarding parts of the evening was watching guests connect with Hannah and her work.
When an artist shares the thinking behind a painting, it can change the way we see it. Colours begin to hold memories; expressive marks reveal decisions; a landscape becomes somewhere you can almost imagine standing yourself.
These conversations matter, particularly when it comes to collecting original art. Choosing a painting is rarely just about whether it matches a room. It can be about a place you've visited, a feeling you recognise or a connection you can't quite explain.
At Bella + Ollie Art, we believe these personal connections are an important part of discovering and collecting contemporary art. Small, artist-led gatherings offer the space to explore those connections without rushing, giving collectors and curious newcomers alike the chance to get to know the person behind the work.
It's an approach to art events we love: thoughtful, informal and centred on the simple pleasure of looking, listening and sharing ideas.
Discover Hannah Rollings' Landscape Collection
Our evening at Babington House celebrated more than the launch of a collection. It was a reminder of what art can do when it brings people together - opening conversations, creating connections and inviting us to see the world through someone else's eyes.
We're delighted to share Hannah Rollings' collection with our wider community. Explore her original landscape paintings, discover the stories behind individual works and find a piece that resonates with you.
Explore Hannah Rollings' art collection or get in touch with Bella + Ollie Art if you'd like guidance on choosing an original artwork for your home.
For more artist stories, new collections and invitations to future events, subscribe to the Bella + Ollie Art newsletter and join us in discovering the artists and ideas shaping our approach to contemporary art.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy original expressive landscape art online?
You can explore and buy original expressive landscape paintings online through Bella + Ollie Art. Our collection includes one-of-a-kind contemporary landscape artworks by artists such as Hannah Rollings, available to view online with artwork details and pricing.
What makes Hannah Rollings' landscape paintings different?
Hannah Rollings is a contemporary landscape artist and plein air painter who works directly from the landscape. Her expressive paintings combine bold colour, energetic brushwork and layered marks to capture the feeling and atmosphere of a place rather than simply reproducing what it looks like.
What was the Hannah Rollings art preview at Babington House?
The Hannah Rollings art preview at Babington House, Soho House in Somerset, was an intimate evening of contemporary landscape art, conversation and artist storytelling, hosted by Bella + Ollie Art.
Guests explored Hannah’s latest collection of original paintings, heard about her plein air painting practice and discovered the inspiration behind her work in the relaxed surroundings of the Babington House library.
Does Bella + Ollie Art sell original Cornwall landscape paintings?
Yes. Hannah Rollings' collection includes original landscape paintings inspired by Cornwall, alongside works from Barbados and Normandy. Each painting responds to the character, light and atmosphere of the landscape through Hannah's distinctive use of colour.
Does Bella + Ollie Art host art events and artist talks at Soho House and Babington House?
Bella + Ollie Art creates thoughtful art events, artist talks and collection previews that bring artists and art lovers together in distinctive settings.
Our evening at Babington House, part of Soho House in Somerset, celebrated contemporary landscape artist Hannah Rollings through an informal, artist-led experience. We believe these intimate gatherings offer a more personal way to discover original art, connect with artists and explore the stories behind their work.
Inside the Artists Studio
Inside the Studio: Hannah Rollings - Contemporary Landscape Artist & Plein Air Painter
Step outside into the world of Hannah Rollings, a contemporary landscape artist whose colourful, expressive paintings are created en plein air. From Barbados to Normandy and Cornwall, discover how Hannah...
Inside the Studio: Hannah Rollings - Contemporary Landscape Artist & Plein Air Painter
Inside the Studio: Hannah Rollings - Contemporary Landscape Artist & Plein Air Painter
|Isabella Sheppard
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