Bronze, Steel & Stone: A remarkable exhibition of contemporary sculpture in the Gardens
Deborah Bell - Invocation: The Ancient Ones
Cast in bronze, these figures exude serenity as they drift, eyes closed, towards the horizon. Bell has described the smaller totemic figures resting on their heads as manifestations of one’s higher self, spirit or soul.
This summer we have the great honour of working with Everard Read Gallery to present an exhibition of contemporary sculpture in our gardens.
Everard Read have curated an exhibition to include bronze sculpture by celebrated South African artists such Beezy Bailey, Deborah Bell, Guy du Toit, Speelman Mahlangu, Lionel Smit and Florian Wozniak as well as works by British artist, Olivia Musgrave. The exhibition showcases monumental as well as mid-scale sculpture to be presented across the gardens.
Both Everard Read and Riverhill share a long history as family-run businesses. Established in 1913 in Johannesburg, Everard Read is among the oldest commercial art galleries in the world with exhibition spaces in London, Johannesburg, Cape Town and in the winelands of Franschhoek. This outdoor sculpture exhibition continues the gallery’s practice of presenting sculpture in spectacular landscapes where they can be appreciated in a natural setting.
The works were selected , and curated, by Everard Read Director, Georgie Shields. I have put some questions to Georgie about her decision making process and hope that it will enrich your viewing of the works whilst you are here in the Gardens.
Left image: Lionel Smit - Medium Malay Girl Right image: Florian Wozniak - Couple (medium)
How did you decide which of your artists to bring to Riverhill?
The aim was to introduce a range of artists working in different styles and to present sculptures with a variety of textures and patinas. We hoped to showcase how different sculpture can be and how they can be experienced within the context of a natural landscape.
Another criterion was that they all be made of bronze and suitable to be outdoors.
What was your process for placing the work around the gardens?
We wanted there to be some relationship between the sculpture … some tension. So we clustered the artworks in a few areas – the Walled Garden, Primrose Meadow and the Rock Garden. This way visitors can experience all the sculptures by following a short trail. We also chose some unexpected locations so that visitors might be surprised by a sculpture as they crested a hill or rounded a corner.
Guy du Toit - Protective Hare
One of South Africa’s most accomplishes sculptors, Du Toit’s hares have a lightness of being - they dance, they fly, they sit pondering their thoughts. They are like quick sketches in the landscape, something glimpsed out the corner of the eye, like a flash of truth.
What drew you to Riverhill as a location for an exhibition?
Several factors, starting with the gorgeous historic gardens of Riverhill which are loved and enjoyed by the community. How wonderful to think that 30,000 or more visitors might enjoy these sculptures over the summer.
The owners, Sarah and Ed Rogers, and the entire team at Riverhill, have been enthusiastic partners who really wanted to see this sculpture exhibition happen. That makes all the difference to a joint venture.
Proximity to London, where our gallery is based, was also a consideration.
Olivia Musgrave - The Fates
The trio of sculptures are Musgrave’s take on the three goddesses of fate who personify the inescapable destiny of humankind. According to Greek mythology, the Fates assigned to every person his or her fate. Musgrave’s fates have a sense of timelessness and peacefulness - indeed a calm resignation to their inescapable fate.
Is there a theme for the work you selected for us?
The title of the exhibition “Bronze, Steel and Stone” speaks to the materiality of the works, and we wanted to emphasise the three-dimensional nature of sculpture and how it can shape and influence the space it in habits.
I suppose another theme is one of stillness and serenity. Many of the pieces we have chosen for this exhibition exude a sense of calm and tranquillity. Much needed qualities during uncertain and turbulent times…
Do you have a favourite work / placement in the exhibition?
Impossible to say! I think each of the works that we’ve selected is a remarkable object - the manifestation of hours of attention and thought and honing until it felt right….
Left image: Lionel Smit - Monumental Fragments Right image: Speelman Mahlangu - Riding the Bull
The exhibition continues until the 25th of September and is included in our normal entry price.
The Gallery have very kindly created free audio commentary on the works for you to enjoy whilst you wander. Please scan the QR code on arrival. Let us know if you need any help with this.
All works are for sale. Please contact Everard Read Gallery direct for all sales enquiries.
For more information on the works and artists featured please visit their website.
Deborah Bell - Crossing II
Deborah Bell is one of South Africa’s most eminent contemporary artists. In her iconography she draws from a range of cultures including; African, Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, early Christian and European. As well as a range of philosophies, especially the Buddhist preoccupation with stillness and the shedding of attachment and the ego.
ABOUT EVERARD READ LONDON
Everard Read galleries are specialists in contemporary art from South Africa and the diaspora.
Established in 1913 in Johannesburg, we are Africa’s oldest and one of its largest commercial art galleries with gallery spaces in London, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Franschhoek.
The galleries each present a year-round programme of solo and group exhibitions, advise both public and private collectors around the world and have an ongoing commitment to nurturing South African talent.
South African artists are part of the global conversation. We seek to make their voices heard.
Everard Read London is located at 80 Fulham Road, London SW3 6HR.
They welcome visitors Mondays - Thursdays, 10am – 6pm, Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturdays, 12pm – 4pm. No appointments needed.