Sculpture in the Landscape 1969 - 2020

About

This remarkable exhibition showcases contemporary sculpture and craft while also including the work of old and new artists.
In the 1930's prominent Labour politicians Ruth and Hugh Dalton built a beautiful modernist architect designed weekend home high on the Marlborough downs. When Ruth died the 6 acre property was bought by sculptor Roger Leigh and his wife Pat. In 1969 they organised an exhibition of contemporary sculpture in the garden. Eighteen prominent artists of the time took part including Henry Moore, Austin Wright, Hubert Dalwood and William Pye. Records in the archives indicate that over 3,000 visitors came, 3 pieces sold, and there was positive coverage on TV and in the national press.
Now under different ownership, this same garden will host a major sculpture show by voluntary arts organisation Friends of the Garden. Since 2007 the Friends' six previous exhibitions, most in private gardens, have attracted sculptors and craftsmen from across Wiltshire and beyond. In September work by some 50 artists who featured in these shows will be for sale alongside work by several of the artists who featured in 1969.
One of those artists is William Pye. We believe he is the only one of the 1969 artists who is still working in this country. The 1969 work in stainless steel that he will show with us is typical of that time. However, since the 1980's William's work has mostly incorporated water and many Wiltshire residents will have seen his font in Salisbury Cathedral.
The exhibition also features six new artists. Since late 2019 three MA art graduates have been mentored by three established sculptors to make new sculpture especially for a landscape or garden setting. Their work will also feature in our popup shop alongside that of three other 2019 graduates whose applications for our mentoring programme were unsuccessful but whose work we rate highly.
As a result we are confident 'Sculpture in the Landscape 1969 – 2020' will delight and surprise all who come. A popup café will be open throughout the period and will raise funds for five local village charities; Aldbourne Scouts, the Friends of St Michael's Church, the Junction youth hub, Riding for the Disabled and the Memorial Hall.