Turrill Sculpture Garden

by Oxford Explorer (subscribe)

Tucked in behind the Summertown library is a lovely garden which was converted from a patch of unused land in 2000. The idea was conceived and designed by Katherine Shock. Katherine is a garden designer of nineteen years and over 1,000 gardens under her belt.

The garden provides a peaceful oasis for anyone to use. Bright blue benches are scattered around and it would make a lovely place to rest and enjoy a sandwich.

What makes this garden extra special is that they have sculptures from living artists nestled in and around the plants. The pieces of work vary in style and change on a regular basis so definitely worth making this a regular visit. The exhibitions run for around two months each and when I visited it was the Christmas/Winter Exhibition which runs until 26th February 2013.



After 32 years in engineering design and manufacture, Mike Bigland now creates sculptures that I was very taken with. The ones on show were stainless steel plant forms from a limited edition of 100. Prices range from £180 to £390. These striking pieces are constructed to last so you can have them on show in your garden and wet areas.

An eye catching piece from Henrietta Bud, Red is made from wood and steel. Henrietta is multi talented, carving, sculpting, painting and drawing and has exhibited internationally.





There were also softer pieces like a stone elephant by Pat Elmore. Pat has been carving since 1980. She also teaches and if you'd like to see more of her work she has a permanent exhibition at her own studio.



Bold and proud is the bronze resin cockerel created by Brian Hollingworth. Titled the Sunrise Strutter, it caught the small amount of sun that was about on the day I visited and would bring a smile to anyone lucky enough to have him strutting around their garden.

Other beautiful pieces included Martin Smith's Sleeping Head and the appropriately named long legs by Andrew Thompson. Based in Oxford, Martin Smith sells mostly through the Stour Gallery in Shipston-on-Stour and also exhibits frequently around Oxford. Andrew Thompson is a self taught sculptor with pieces sold from New York to Japan. His figurative steel creations on show would fit in the space of any garden and really give a unique focal point.





It's free to visit the Turrill Sculpture Garden and well worth a visit if you're in the area. Why not pick up a sandwich from Taylors and enjoy lunch on one of the benches while you take in the sculptures around you?

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Why? An interesting place to view affordable sculptures

When: Summertown library opening times, see website

Website: www.turrillsculpturegarden.org.uk

Where: South Parade, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7JN

Cost: Free to look around