From ROSA #5 (Summer 2023): Elspeth Bray on buying a garden sculpture
Elspeth Bray began her career in the exhibitions department of the V&A and then worked as an art journalist for 15 years as Deputy Editor of Apollo and Art Market Correspondent for The Art Newspaper. After moving to Sussex with three young children, she began curating exhibitions in restored farm buildings behind her family home. Eighteen years later the Moncrieff-Bray gallery and sculpture garden is on the map as one of Britain’s first rural galleries and a fixture in the blossoming Petworth art scene.
What are the best materials for outdoor sculpture?
Almost any material, although obviously wood and iron will degrade. Stone comes in so many forms, it is millions of years old and is a wonderful material lined with striations, fossils and natural faults. The carver’s skill will reveal its different facets, whether it is polished, left rough, worked back into or a combination of all these. It must be frost-resistant so alabaster and soapstones are out. Bronze is a hugely popular medium and virtually indestructible, as the survival of Han dynasty bronzes confirms. A cheaper alternative is bronze resin or cold-cast bronze where bronze powder is added to resin and poured into a mold. It looks indistinguishable to bronze, but resin will feel very different to the touch and is a fraction of the weight. Glass, stainless steel, welded copper and corten steel are all popular materials, especially for kinetic sculpture.
Where should sculptures be placed for maximum effect?
At the end of a vista or framing a view. Sculpture is also wonderful when placed beside water as it reflects back from the surface. It can look stunning against the sky, especially if it’s a moving design. But equally a small piece installed in a town garden will bring it alive. Lighting at night is also an important consideration. It is lovely to be able to see a sculpture from the house, but equally turning a corner and coming upon a piece in a special setting is remarkable.
What are the latest trends in garden sculpture?
There has been a resurgence in stone carving in recent years, perhaps helped by the very successful sculpture exhibition on form at Asthall Manor. There are some incredibly talented British carvers such as Emily Young, Peter Randall-Page and Paul Vanstone. Cast sculpture created by modelling rather than reduction is enduringly popular, especially for figurative work. And the British do love animal sculpture: witness the success of Nic Fiddian-Green’s horse heads or Hamish Mackie bronze pieces. Kinetic works are also really popular.
How much maintenance is needed?
It is best not to place sculptures directly under trees as they will acquire lichen very quickly and bird droppings are a problem. Most sculpture will benefit from a clean every three months and a light wax once a year to protect the surface.
What about theft and insurance?
Very little sculpture is stolen, and it is fully insurable provided it is securely anchored to a plinth or the ground.
How much should I expect to pay for a sculpture?
How long is a piece of string! Buy something you love and the best you can afford and enjoy it for the rest of your life.