Sculpture at Doddington returns for 2020

The historic house and gardens will exhibit almost 400 unique and well known sculptures from 68 renowned artists.

Doddington Hall & Gardens’ popular exhibition, Sculpture at Doddington, is returning to the historic hall for a summer of art and culture. From Saturday 25th July to Sunday 6th September, visitors will be able to enjoy the works of 68 sculptors set against the backdrop of Doddington’s Elizabethan gardens.

Tickets are now available for the fifth iteration of the biennial event, which has been adapted in line with social distancing guidelines. Visitors are being asked to book tickets in advance to help the team maintain a safe number of people enjoying the exhibition.

To help visitors stay two metres apart, a safe route around the exhibition has been set up through the gardens. Visitors are asked to keep a safe distance from one another as much as possible, to cough or sneeze into their elbow and to refrain from touching any of the sculptures.

Internationally and nationally acclaimed artists will have their sculptures featured at the exhibition, including leading figurative sculptor David Williams-Ellis, whose work includes D-Day Sculpture, which was unveiled to honour the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

Simon Gudgeon, one of Britain’s leading contemporary sculptors, brings a natural and abstract feel with his minimalist yet striking works. Gudgeon’s work is featured in important private collections around the world, including those of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Jilly Sutton’s work can be found across the world, and notably in The National Portrait Gallery. Using timber, she carves large heads and figures that have a unique, grainy character. Sutton’s serene work will sit peacefully in the gardens.

Other notable sculptors that will have their work on display include Andrew Smith, David Harber, Clare Bigger and Cathryn Shilling.

All sculptures that form the exhibition are for sale, with prices ranging from £60 to £60,000 so there’s something for every budget. Purchases will support the artists involved, as well as contributing to the conservation and protection of Doddington Hall and its wider community.

Curators David Waghorne and Kate McGovern have carefully selected sculptures from artists that complement each area and to provide an eclectic exhibition to suit all tastes, styles and budgets.

‘Leaf Spirit’ by Simon Gudgeon

Sculpture at Doddington is open daily from 25th July to 6th September, between 10am – 4pm, with last entry at 3pm. In addition to Sculpture at Doddington, the main Hall is also reopening on Sundays after a period of closure. Doddington Hall is just one of a handful of Historic Houses sites across the UK that has re-opened its doors.

Visitors can once again explore over 400 years of unbroken family history throughout the Elizabethan manor, including furniture, weaponry, paintings and textiles. In line with COVID-19 guidelines, a limited number of visitors will be allowed within the Hall, only pre-booked tickets are available and a one way system has been established throughout the Hall. Hand sanitiser will also be available.

Visitors can make a day of their visit by booking an Afternoon Tea in Doddington’s Tea Room, located in the award-winning Coach House. The menu includes a variety of options, including vegan, gluten free and dairy free and is available from Wednesday to Sunday. Doddington Hall’s Farm Shop, Home Store, Country Clothing, Bike Shop, Cafe and Coffee Shop are also open daily.

Booking tickets in advance for Sculpture at Doddington is advised. Normal garden entry applies, so there is no additional charge for the exhibition. Adult tickets costing £7.50 and children (4-16 years) costing £3.50. Children under 4 years can enter for free. Family tickets are also available for two adults and four children, costing £19. Last admission is 3pm.

Companies sponsoring Sculpture at Doddington include lead sponsor Soper of Lincoln, as well as Brown & Co, Sills & Betteridge, Pilgrim Foodservice, MKM Building Supplies, Roythornes Solicitors and Brewin Dolphin.

Follow Doddington Hall & Gardens on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates and behind the scenes snapshots. Use the hashtag #SculptureAtDoddington on social media to share your photos of the exhibition.

For more information and to book tickets, visit sculpturedoddingtonhall.com