This Summer, three of the UK’s most enchanting stately homes – Houghton Hall in Norfolk, Castle Howard in Yorkshire, and Compton Verney in Warwickshire – host major contemporary sculpture shows. The exhibitions aim to appeal to a broader audience by pairing these homes’ grand gardens, designed by renowned landscape architects, with sculpture. The exhibitions are Antony Gormley at Houghton, Tony Cragg at Castle Howard and a new sculpture park at Compton Verney.
Stately homes, the grand and impressive country houses once owned by aristocrats, landed gentry, or wealthy industrialists, are not just a part of British history and culture; they are an indication of the lifestyles and tastes of the wealthy elite of their time. These homes, built in various architectural styles, are often accompanied by breathtaking gardens, masterpieces in their own right.
These grand piles also have a reputation for feeling stuffy, old-fashioned, and out of touch. They are often associated with a bygone era of aristocracy and privilege that is no longer relevant or relatable to many people today. So, what better way to appeal to a broader audience than to pair the gardens with something new and exciting?
Houghton Hall is a beautiful stately home in Norfolk, England, built in the 1720s for Great Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. It is one of the finest examples of Palladian architecture in the country, designed by two famous British architects of the time – Colen Campbell and James Gibbs. The house is known for its lavish interiors, including ornate plasterwork, painted ceilings and a grand staircase designed by William Kent, which reflect the wealth and power of its owner. Over the years, Houghton Hall has been home to several generations of the Walpole family. In the 20th century, it was leased to various tenants, including the Marquess of Cholmondeley, who still owns the property today. The estate also boasts beautiful gardens and parkland designed by renowned landscape architect Charles Bridgeman.
Houghton Hall has a rich history of hosting sculpture shows, dating back to 1970 when the estate’s owner, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, commissioned Henry Moore to create a series of sculptures for the gardens. Since then, the estate has become a celebrated venue for contemporary sculpture exhibitions. In recent years, Houghton Hall has hosted several high-profile sculpture shows, including exhibitions featuring the work of artists such as Richard Long, Anish Kapoor, Damien Hirst, Sean Scully and James Turrell. The current sculpture exhibition at Houghton Hall features work by the Turner Prize winning artist sculptor Antony Gormley.
Antony Gormley’s “Time Horizon” installation features 100 sculptures made of cast iron spread around 300 acres of parkland across Houghton Hall, each weighing 600kg. They make you think about the connection between humans, nature and the mystery of life. Each sculpture is moulded from the artist’s own body. They are placed in a way that invites you to come and take a closer look, and each one is the same scale as a real human, but some are standing on the ground, some raised on plinths, and some sunken or partially sunken into the ground. Other works are placed in the interiors of the house.
Castle Howard is a magnificent stately home located in North Yorkshire. It has a special place in the hearts of many people due to its connection to the novel “Brideshead Revisited” by Evelyn Waugh. The estate was used as a major location for the 1981 TV series adaptation of the novel, starring Jeremy Irons and Anthony Andrews.
It was built for the Howard family, one of England’s most prominent and influential aristocratic families, in the 18th century. The architect Sir John Vanbrugh designed the house, which was constructed between 1699 and 1712. Castle Howard is known for its Baroque architecture, opulent interiors, and extensive gardens designed by the renowned landscape architect Capability Brown. The house is home to a vast collection of art, furniture, and objets d’art, including works by artists such as Canaletto, Gainsborough, and Reynolds.
A significant exhibition is currently taking place at Castle Howard, featuring the works of the world-famous sculptor Tony Cragg. This exhibition is a landmark event as it is the first time that a leading contemporary artist has showcased their work across the house and the grounds of this historical estate. Visitors can explore the estate while enjoying the unique opportunity to see some of the finest pieces of contemporary sculpture created by Tony Cragg.
The exhibition features a variety of new and recent sculptures by Cragg, carefully selected and thoughtfully placed throughout the estate’s vast grounds. The exhibition goes beyond the usual boundaries, seamlessly incorporating Cragg’s innovative works into Castle Howard’s architectural masterpieces, creating a sense of astonishment and admiration. The exhibition showcases a range of sculptures, from grand bronze monuments to delicate glass sculptures.
Compton Verney is a stunning stately home situated in Warwickshire, England. The house was built in the early 18th century for the Verney family, who were wealthy landowners and politicians. Renowned landscape architect Lancelot “Capability” Brown designed the house and its surrounding parkland. The house has undergone several changes of ownership over the years, and in 1993, it was acquired by the Peter Moores Foundation, which transformed it into a museum and art gallery. Today, Compton Verney houses a diverse collection of art and artefacts, including works by Old Masters such as Canaletto, Bellini, and Titian and contemporary art, ceramics, and textiles and has recently added a new sculpture park to the attractions.
This brand-new sculpture park includes works by eight contemporary artists from around the world. The park is spread across 120 acres of lush greenery, featuring a lake, wildflower meadows, oak, ash, lime trees, bridges, and an array of wildlife. The sculptures have been arranged to reflect the park’s history and setting while challenging the 18th-century landscape design as a form of ‘utopia’. These sculptures represent diverse perspectives and voices and aim to imagine a more communal version of ‘utopia’ for the 21st century. The sculpture park showcases works from many renowned UK-based artists, including Sarah Lucas, Permindar Kaur, and Larry Achiampong, as well as international artists such as Nicolas Deshayes and Augustus Serapinas. The exhibition also features the works of legendary sculptors Louise Bourgeois and Helen Chadwick. The park will also offer an opportunity for artists to produce and showcase their work by directly responding to the landscape at Compton Verney. Brazilian artist Erika Verzutti is the first to showcase her new commission.
Words and photos: Sara Faith ©Artlyst 2024
Antony Gormley: Time Horizon, Houghton Hall, Norfolk, 21 April – 31 October 2024
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Tony Cragg, Castle Howard 3 May – 22 September 2024
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Sculpture In The Park, Compton Verney, Warwickshire, 21 March 2024 – 2 May 2027
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