Welcome to Sculpture at Woburn, 2009
Woburn Abbey, home to one of the most important private collections of paintings, porcelain and furniture in the country, has long been the residence of many important patrons of the arts. It was here, in the eighteenth century, that the fourth Duke of Bedford commissioned from Canaletto over twenty paintings and, in the nineteenth century, that the sixth Duke commissioned a version of Canova’s The Three Graces. Most recently, the present Duke of Bedford, an avid collector of contemporary sculpture, has continued this historic patronage by opening up the grounds of Woburn to hold this inaugural exhibition of monumental sculpture.
The Sladmore is delighted to be afforded this opportunity to display monumental sculpture in the magnificent gardens at Woburn. The gallery has always sold large sculpture suitable for garden and landscape or even urban settings, and in this exhibition we give a taste of the wide range of work available. From the Twentieth-century masters such as Bugatti and Botero, to our stable of contemporary sculptors shown at Bruton Place, and finally a fascinating show within a show – Perspectives on a Modernist legacy – a collection of contemporary and abstract sculpture curated by sculptor David Worthington.
The aim of the exhibition is to provide a comprehensive overview of the best work being created by sculptors working on a large scale in England today. Also included in the exhibition are pieces from earlier centuries and, together with the antique heritage of the house and gardens, such works form an arresting counterpoint to the modern sculpture on display. The works will be on show throughout the gardens, currently being revitalised to Humphry Repton’s original specification. Some in ‘exhibition’ mode on the main lawns, others hidden away in the woods and glades, awaiting discovery.
All the sculptures are for sale, please contact the gallery for prices and availability. Many of the artists included in the exhibition have further pieces available and pictures and catalogues can be sent on request.