Blenheim Palace is celebrating the opening of the season on February 11 with its first art exhibition in the Long Library. The display is of work by the renowned 20th-century British artist John Piper (1903-1992), including a series of 11 watercolours undertaken in the last decade of his life.

The exhibition focuses on Piper’s depictions of Blenheim but also explores his Oxfordshire connections, his writing, his architectural drawings and paintings of other country houses, as well as some of his collaborative work — prints, stained glass, books, ceramics and tapestry — all of which display the exceptional versatility of his creative output.

It is wonderful to see his generation of British artists, who matured working as war artists, getting the prominence they deserve — Graham Sutherland is at present being celebrated at Modern Art Oxford. Piper’s black skies reflected the wartime mood and never quite disappeared from his post–war work.

Jeri Bapasola, archival researcher at Blenheim Palace and curator of the exhibition, says: “John Piper’s paintings of Blenheim Palace represent some of the most striking 20th-century images of the house, along with its garden temples, fountains, lodges and bridges. The watercolours were commissioned by the present (11th) Duke of Marlborough. Most of these have never been seen together by the public and are being exhibited for the first time in the Long Library at Blenheim Palace, in 2012, to mark the 20th anniversary of the artist’s death”.

John Piper produced intense images inspired by landscape and architecture in unforgettable combinations of subtle yet rich colour. Blenheim’s Baroque architecture is hardly lacking in drama but Piper’s brush paints it in breathtaking moody hues. The artist had an uncanny ability to catch the emotion of a place and is often described as a Romantic. He and John Betjeman produced the Shell County Guides, for love rather than money. David Heathcote, author of A Shell Eye on England (Libri Publishing, £24.95), will be talking about them on March 31.

Art historian, Frances Spalding, author of a biography of John and Myfanwy Piper entitled Lives in Art, will be at Blenheim on March 17, as will Geoffrey Eastop, who shared a pottery studio with the artist. He will introduce his book, Working with Piper. You can join a practical workshop in the basic techniques of printmaking on March 1. The day includes a tour of the exhibition with Jeri Bapasola followed by the print workshop in the afternoon. You will be able to make your own print to take home. Booking is essential. (Last date for booking, February 24.) Tickets are £55, or £50 for Friends/annual pass holders (includes Palace, Park and Gardens entry, exhibition tour, prints workshop and materials).

The exhibition closes on April 9.

The palace opens its doors to the public again on Saturday, February 11, and is repeating its popular annual pass scheme. A £20 adult and £15 concession admission on any day gives free entry to the palace, park and gardens during the rest of 2012.

Because of the increased numbers of visitors, a major redevelopment aimed at improving facilities is under way. A new visitor centre and a new cafe, The Oxfordshire Pantry, are due for completion this summer.

For full details and to book special events Tel 01993 810530 or email operations @blenheimpalace.com