JOIN JANE CONTINUING TO MAKE SENSE OF ART
And this month Jane is continuing to look at the amazing sculpture parks in the UK.
Last month we did a tour of the sculpture parks in the south of the country. This month we are going to head north and will zigzag across the country – with a variety of different outdoor sculpture experiences. You may think that the autumn and winter months are not the best time to be planning outdoor excursions – but I beg to differ! Obviously lashing rain isn’t ideal but many of these parks are set in stunning landscapes that are equally beautiful whatever the season – and with changes in the backdrop and light the featured sculptures will be constantly changing.
6. Our first stop this month is The Sainsbury Centre Sculpture Park. The Sainsbury Centre is the award-winning building designed by Norman Foster and is part of the University of East Anglia campus on the outskirts of Norwich. The Sculpture Park is set in 350 acres of parkland, surrounding the building. It is open during daylight hours and is free. It includes works by Henry Moore, Antony Gormley, Elizabeth Frink and Lynn Chadwick. This park actively encourages young visitors saying: “The use of outdoor and natural spaces is known to improve outcomes for children, both physically and mentally.” And then throw some art in to the mix! Perfect! You will end up with tired, inspired children buzzing about what they have seen and what they want to create!
7. About 4 hours drive due west is The British Ironworks Centre Sculpture Parks near Oswestry. This is the UK’s largest metal sculpture safari park with over 100 animals – perfect for small children. It also has many cutting-edge sculptures including the well known ‘Knife Angel’ which was created using over 100,000 seized blades as part of the National Youth Anti-Violence Programme. The guide to the park says that ‘The Knife Angel’ aims to “act as a catalyst for turning the tide on violent and aggressive behaviour, but it also acts as a beautiful memorial designed to celebrate those lives who have been lost through violent and thoughtless actions.” It sounds like every teenager in the country should see this!
8. The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is set in 500 acres of countryside near Wakefield. There is a permanent collection plus a changing collection – for example, at the moment, and until May 2023, there are 4 major Damien Hurst sculptures. There are usually around 100 sculptures and installations to explore – long and short term loans to the park as well as gifts from artists and benefactors, plus some site specific commissions. The views look spectacular and there are also indoor exhibitions – it sounds like a very full day out!
9. Now heading to an area of the country I have never visited – Northumberland – and the Kielder Art and Architecture Trail. This is another free open air art experience located at various sites around Kielder Lake and Forest in the Northumberland National Park. Similar to The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, the pieces have been specially created for the spaces in which they are situated. It looks like the perfect combination of a walk in the beautiful Northumberland countryside with contemporary sculpture and architecture thrown in!
When I started my research into the UK’s sculpture parks, I really hadn’t imagined that there were so many fabulous places to visit. I have found some amazing sounding places in both Scotland and Ireland – so I think there will be parts 3 and 4 in the New Year. Do let me know of any others that you have visited which you think need a mention – there’s nothing better than a personal recommendation!
