Sculpture in the Landscape

Dr Laura de Beden, landscape architect and garden designer, gave her audience new insights into ‘Sculpture in the Landscape’, ranging from ancient menhirs on the moor to angels of the north, from classical rural scenery to humble domestic gardens. She defined a sculpture as an object in space, created by the artist as a filter for human interpretation and meaning. It should add energy and narrative to its surroundings. Positioning is of the essence. The Greeks and Romans used statues and temples to honour their gods, capturing the spirit of the place, especially in relation to natural beauty. During the Renaissance the classical theme was dominant but statues in gardens were seen as art which paid homage to their owners rather than religion, with references to cultural life and secular success. Classical figures continued to represent civilisation in the natural world until the twentieth century blitz when Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and others produced and placed sculptures to challenge the viewer : interpretation and touch gave power to the individual but you were not expected to feel at ease with what you saw. Sculptures in the landscape might create intellectual, emotional and spiritual responses. They can be affected by the changing effects of light. Different materials can react in different ways to their environment. Movement might be conveyed through crafted fountains and waterfalls, given an added resonance in hot countries where water is a precious gift. Sculptures might lead our eyes to a view, provide a subtle guided path through a garden, interact with plants in terms of colour, contrasting shapes or surfaces – and sometimes bring us to a sudden halt with an unexpected surprise. Dr de Beden’s lively and enthusiastic lecture conveyed her love of sculpture in a way that will certainly help her audience to a better appreciation of the ‘objects in space’.