Sudeley Castle Turned Upside Down into an Artists' Playground

by pmaxwell, 6 June 2008

For more information on location & accommodations visit:
RECONSTRUCTION #3, Artists' Playground
1 June - 31 October 2008
Gloucestershire, UK

Lawrence Weiner, "Duck Boats"

Imagine a historical castle located in the serene Cotswald Hills, turned upside down into an adult’s playground with sculptures by some of the most talented artists of our time. It isn’t just a daydream, as the historical Sudeley Castle has been transformed into a literal Artists' Playground by leading international artists and designers including Jeppe Hein, Carsten Höller, Zaha Hadid and Lawrence Weiner who have taken the castle by storm with their humorous sculptures.

Michael Craig Martin, "Sudeley Pitchfork"

The beautiful grounds of the traditional Tudor castle, once home to Queen Catherine Parr, feature a medley of surreal and fanciful sculptural displays which are bound to awaken one’s inner child. Formal gardens are juxtaposed by bold structures like a giant slide by Zaha Hadid, and a mirrored labyrinth by Jeppe Hein. Carsten Höller plays to juvenile fantasy with his creation of a flying machine, while Henry Krokatsis’s Gothic tree-house conjures up childhood memories even though its design is far superior to any neighborhood treetop getaway. The play between childhood fantasy and grownup luxury is highlighted by James Hopkins’ giant kaleidoscope and camera obscura which is enclosed by oversized champagne bottles.

James Hopkins

Artists’ Playground, which was conceived by curators Mollie Dent-Brocklehurst and Elliot McDonald runs from 1 June–31 October 2008. Mollie Dent-Brocklehurst opened the first London-based Gagosian Gallery in 1999, and Elliot McDonald is the curator of Hiscox Art Projects and the Hiscox Collection. The project is presented in partnership with Phillips de Pury & Company, while Chanel is supporting the exhibition at Sudeley Castle this year.

Henry Krokatsis, "Antlers"