Harley Gallery talk Part Two

The second speaker of the evening was Sarah Coulson, Assistant Curator at YSP, like Susie Macmurray there to talk about 'Art in the Elsewhere'. Having visited the Yorkshire Sculpture Park many times and enjoying the special nature of the place it was inspiring to hear of its beginnings in 1977, founded by Peter Murray who was a lecturer at Bretton Hall and passionate about the idea of putting sculpture in grounds of the park, a mission to show sculpture in the open air, but with no purchasing budget; a continuing changing sculptural landscape, changing with the seasons and changing with the movement of sculptural works. His aim never to patronise the audience and yet open their eyes to many new experiences, certainly is still very true.

The present exhibition is Jaume Plensa as shown in an earlier blog post, what was interesting to discover that Jaume usually sites his work within the urban landscape so the Capability Brown nature of the YSP was a revelation to him.

Jaume Plensa YSP

Sarah also discussed the support of the Park for up and coming artists showing an image of Andy Goldsworthy working on sycamore stems in the 1980's and explained why his work was chosen for the galleries 30th anniversary. Her latest on site artist being www.emilyspeed.co.uk who has worked within the Bretton Hall student residences and the follies in the park.

Emily Speed (from artist's web site)

Definitely tempted me to go back again soon not that it takes much as it is a wonderfully calming place when the rest of the world feels quite mad.

Though from my twilight trip to The Harley Gallery I must venture back there they are having an Open Studio weekend on the 26th and 27th November, a very stunning venue to practice ones art. Also the wonderful artist Fiona Wilson has her work featured there for sale.