Sculpture at Wisley – major exhibition

A major exhibition of modern and contemporary sculpture has now opened at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey. The exhibition runs until the 1st December 2019 and will feature the work of six seminal 20th and 21st century artists to highlight the relationship between sculpture and the cultivated landscape, in the first exhibition of its kind at an RHS Garden. (pictured banner above: Rising Beast by Lynn Chadwick)

‘Sculpture at Wisley’ is curated by Susan Bacon, noted sculptor and wife of RHS President Sir Nicholas Bacon. Pieces on display will be carefully sited around the 240 acre garden to demonstrate a connection between the spirit of the works and their surroundings.

Lady Bacon points out that each piece of sculpture chosen connects to the landscape and becomes part of it: “Sited within the ever-changing long views of Wisley, these huge pieces affect that change as well as opening the eye to see both the gardens and the sculpture in a different way,” she says.

Dating from the 1950s through to the present day, the selection of sculpture offers a unique opportunity for visitors to view work by some of the most important modern and contemporary artists. There are four Henry Moore artworks including the vast Sheep Piece (pictured above) – only the second time this sculpture has been exhibited outside of the Henry Moore Foundation – and pieces from the Estate of Lynn Chadwick including Little Girl 1,II and III.

Also taking up temporary residence in the landscape will be larger-than-life works by Phillip King and Henry Bruce.

(above) Draping Figure, Henrey Moore

Maquettes of the Four Seasons by Philip Haas and an instantly recognisable neon by Tracey Emin will also feature in the new RHS Garden Welcome Building which opened in June.

The cost of the exhibition is included in admission. Artworks featured in the exhibition have been kindly loaned to the Royal Horticultural Society by the Henry Moore Foundation, The Testate of Lynn Chadwick and Blain|Southern and Ivor Braka Limited.

Picture credits: All images strictly ©RHS