Discovering Surrey Sculpture Society at Leonardslee Gardens.

An hour outside of London in the Sussex hills in 2021, the relationship between Surrey Sculpture Society and Leonardslee Gardens blossomed. In hope of encouraging engagement with the gardens and local artists the Society began short six-week installations which eventually evolved into the permanent sculpture trail on display today. However, as the public are able to purchase pieces that particularly capture their interest, the works exhibited are continually changing.  Leonardslee have seen good sales that reflect the enthusiasm from the public for the artists. The trail emphasises the importance of craft, which is seemingly beginning to fade within today’s culture of over consumption. Leonardslee provides acres of space to take a moment amongst nature and appreciate the artisanal creativity of these sculptors.

'Leonardslee Gardens', Credits: Gavin Hewins.

The combination of the natural beauty of Leonardslee gardens and the artworks curated within them makes for a truly breath-taking experience. A gravel path descends down towards the lakes that are filled with wildlife. At first, you’re guided through elegant archways of trees that create the backdrop for numerous sculptures, such as the imposing presence of Sarah Goodfellow’s ‘The Kiss 2’, a handsome bust of a Gorilla. Further along are Katie Netly’s totem poles, she creates each one for an individual person to emulate their story. Celebrating a sense of uniqueness seems to be a theme throughout the gardens. Melissa Ransom sculpts heart-warming pieces that portray the loving relationship between a person and their animal, perhaps urging a viewer to contemplate their own relationships. The three dimensionality of many of these pieces encourages you to step off the beaten track and into the bushes to absorb their intricate details. Bronwyn Sibley’s Maori symbolism in ‘Having Each Other’s Back’ and ‘Fish Hook & Whale Tail’ have a striking visual effect as the smooth limestone juxtaposes the raw texture of the trees surrounding them.

Aaron Aaronson Speaking, Credits: Gavin Hewins.

As you emerge from the archways of trees you are met with one of the most outstanding views in Sussex. Miles of lush green trees perch upon rolling hills, while in the foreground you’re greeted by Aaron Aaronson’s glass sculptures. Painterly in style and portraying an unusually fluid quality to glass, the sculptures sit as if obscure flowers within reeds.  Nicholas Baker displayed his large Protea sculptures, a flower from South Africa that stands proud and vibrant against the English woodland.

Graeme Lougher received the award for the ‘Leonardslee Sculpture of the Year’ for his installation of ‘Prowling Wolves’ and ‘Make Haste’, a dynamic group of works that create a suspenseful scene. You can view the sculptures on the trail or a Leonardslee's winter light show later this year. Lougher spoke about his impulsive method of working that gives his sculptures a bespoke edge. The artist follows his intuition, taking pieces apart and rearranging them up until the last moment before they are displayed. Being well acquainted with his materials allows for a spontaneous creative process. Lougher commented “I like the surrealness and mysteriousness of woodland”, which is portrayed in the mystical appearance of his works.

Graeme Lougher receiving 'The Leonardslee Sculpture of the Year' award, Credits: Gavin Hewins.

The sculptures add a fantastical quality to Leonardslee Gardens, it’s almost as if you’ve stumbled into wonderland and could be greeted by a rabbit with a stopwatch at any moment. If you would like to immerse yourself in your own fairy tale, or simply appreciate the craftsmanship on display at Leonardslee, discover the sculpture trail at https://www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/sculpture-park-art-gallery.