A Rainy Day Discovery: Sculpture by the Lakes
As an interior designer, I'm always on the lookout for inspiration in unexpected places. Last Thursday, I found it in abundance at Sculpture by the Lakes in Dorset, despite the looming rain clouds. Just five minutes from our Airbnb, it was the perfect spot. Taking advantage of the momentary sunshine, I knew my window of opportunity was short before heavy rain was due.
Arriving just as the gates opened at 10 am, I felt a thrill of excitement. The promise of being the first visitor of the day in this 26-acre outdoor gallery was irresistible. As I stepped into the grounds, the air was thick with anticipation and the earthy scent of recent rain.
THE CHASE by Simon Gudgeon
The sculpture park is the creation of Simon Gudgeon and his wife Monique, a landscape artist.
Simon Gudgeon, one of Britain's leading contemporary sculptors, is celebrated for his distinctive smooth style that deftly captures the essence of nature and spirit. His minimalist, semi-abstract forms brilliantly convey both movement and emotion, creating a visual harmony uniquely his own. Gudgeon's "Sculpture by the Lakes" at Pallington, Dorset, provides a serene backdrop for his monumental works, allowing visitors to experience his art in perfect harmony with nature. Embarking on his sculpting career at 40, Gudgeon has since achieved global acclaim, with his pieces featured in esteemed collections and exhibitions worldwide. His talent for distilling the essence of his subjects, particularly evident in his renowned sculptures of birds in flight, demonstrates his exceptional ability to capture the spirit of the natural world in bronze.
First Impressions: A Symphony of Form and Nature
The entrance area greeted me with an intimate collection of smaller sculptures. Three female figures, titled "Releasing","Beginnings" and "The Dawning" by Jonathan Hateley, immediately caught my eye. Their fluid forms seemed to dance in the morning light, a beautiful study of movement frozen in bronze.
TIME SPENT IN NATURE HEALS YOUR MIND BODY SPIRIT by Simon Gudgeon
Mild Steel
227 x 189 x 54 cm
Tree tunnel through to Kitchen Garden and Sculptures
As I made my way towards the kitchen garden, each step revealed a new marvel. A tree tunnel led me to a charming scene: a friendly dog lounging in a flower bed, keeping a watchful eye on his gardener. It was as if I had stumbled into a living painting.
KITCHEN GARDEN, SCULPTURE BY THE LAKES by Nick Andrew
Mixed media drawing
76 x 56 cm on display in the MAKERS YARD CAFE
One piece that took my breath away was "Icarus Rising," rising towards the sun as if caught in that fateful moment before his fall. Nearby, "Theia," the goddess of light by Nicola Godden, seemed to glow even under the overcast sky.
Quotes from Gallery
Nature's Canvas: Art in Harmony with the Landscape
The real magic of Sculpture by the Lakes lies in how seamlessly the artworks integrate with their surroundings. Simon Gudgeon's signature style - smooth, minimalist forms that capture the essence of spirit and nature - seemed to grow organically from the landscape.
The careful placement of each sculpture, complemented by thoughtful landscaping (courtesy of Simon's wife, Monique Gudgeon), created a harmonious dialogue between art and nature. As an interior designer, I couldn't help but admire this masterful curation of space and form.
TIME TO REFLECT
Quote from Art Gallery
When the Heavens Opened: Art Transformed by Rain
Halfway through my tour, the sky finally gave way. But rather than dampening the experience, the rain breathed new life into the artworks. A pelican sculpture became mesmerising as water thundered down its metallic feathers.
WHISPERING SPIRIT by Simon Gudgeon
Whispering Spirit: A sculpture that speaks to the soul. Put your ear to her mouth and listen as she echoes the whispers of nature - the gentle wind and rustling leaves. This captivating piece invites you to connect with the environment in a uniquely intimate way.
ICARUS FREESTYLES by Lucianne Lassalle
Another figure, holding out a bowl, suddenly became interactive as rainwater collected in its outstretched hands.
This unexpected transformation reminded me of how the play of light and shadow can completely change the mood of an interior space. Nature, it seemed, was giving me a masterclass in dynamic design.
Seeking shelter, I made my way to The Makers Yard Kitchen. At 11:11 , I indulged in a brunch that was a work of art in itself - smashed avocado on sourdough, topped with crispy bacon, perfectly poached eggs, and a vibrant nasturtium flower. It was a reminder that great design appeals to all the senses.
ART ON A PLATE
smashed avocado on sourdough, topped with crispy bacon, perfectly poached eggs, and a vibrant nasturtium flower
As I left Sculpture by the Lakes, just as the rain began to fall again, I felt a sense of renewal. This hidden gem in Dorset had offered me more than just visual inspiration - it had reminded me of the power of integrating art with its environment, of finding beauty in unexpected moments, and of creating experiences that engage all the senses.
DUEL by Simon Gudgeon
For fellow interior designers and art enthusiasts alike, Sculpture by the Lakes is a must-visit. It's a place that will challenge your perceptions, inspire your creativity, and leave you seeing the interplay of form and space in a whole new light. I, for one, can't wait to return in a different season to discover it anew.
