Father's Day Out
Bright and early on Sunday morning, we all set off for a day of art appreciation and family fun at Waddesdon Manor. The weather seemed perfect for a visit to the outdoor contemporary sculpture exhibiton and we kept our fingers crossed that it would stay that way.
Hosted in association with Christie's, it features work from some of the most renowned artists in living memory. It was such a thrill to happen upon universally recognizable pieces (strategically placed behind hedges and elaborate fountains) waiting to enchant and beguile unsuspecting passersby.
/Images from top to bottom: Love (Red) by Robert Indiana; Geometric Mirrors VI - VIII by Jeppe Hein; Moondog by Tony Smith and Elisabeth Lemercier & Phillipe Bona by Xavier Veilhan/
A few works, however - such as Damien Hirst's Funny Piggy Pig, as my daughter called it - were on display in the Coach House contemporary art gallery but had a strict "No Photography" policy.
After an extensive game of Spot The Statue, we had a delicious lunch at the pretty little Stables Café.
Next door, was a shop that sold fresh home-made fudge (much to my husband's delight!) and more traditional games, toys and books than you could shake a stick at.
The day ended with a stint at the Woodland Playground, one happy but exhausted little girl and a promise to return.
P.S. We are now annual members of the National Trust, as we found that it was extremely good value. With over 300 historic homes, gardens and glorious countryside spaces to explore, who knows where we'll end up next?
P.P.S. Many thanks to all the happy and helpful staff who made our day extra special and allowed me to take these photos.
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Reader Comments (11)
Oh what a great Father's Day for your husband! It looks like our days were very similar! I love the idea of contemporary sculpture juxtaposed against that gorgeous old manor home. My dad was an abstract welded steel sculptor for years and years (until he tore some stuff in his shoulder and couldn't lift the steel any longer), so I'd love to know the names of some of the artists you saw.
Oops, sorry Lauren! :/
I've added the names of the artwork (and their creators) pictured above. We also saw work by Jeff Koons, Antony Gormley and four pieces by Damien Hirst, to name just a few! Definitely one to revisit in order to absorb it all. :)
Yes, I do remember you mentioning something about your Dad's profession - how very cool! Shame about his shoulder, though - it must have been hard for him to give up sculpting. I'd love to see his work!! :D xoxo
Oh what a lovely day out. I love those modern statues against the traditional background. Beautiful! Nice weather too.
I've been a NT member for years, it is such brilliant value for money and I always feel like I've done something good with my £48, both for me and the nation :)
Have you watched Miss Potter? I thought that was fascinating, I had no idea Beatrix Potter was instrumental in setting up the NT.
"I love those modern statues against the traditional background. Beautiful!"
Aren't they super? I love that the Rothschild's "back garden" is so enormous that they can dot imposing works of art around and still not manage to come close to filling it up! :D
No, I haven't watched miss Potter and I had no idea that she set up the NT either! It's such a brilliant idea and we do feel slightly righteous about being part of it all now. :)
Thanks for adding, Chi. I'd wondered if since you couldn't take photos in some places, the names were super secret too! My dad paints now (which is where he started actually), and does some crazy amazing photography that looks like paintings, but I think he misses the physicality of sculpture, for sure. I'll have to pull out some old photos and do a throw-back post...if he'll let me! ;)
You know, if you come to Philadelphia you can see the original LOVE sculpture in person! It's a short walk from my house, in case you need tempting ;) Seriously though, your photos are wonderful! It looks like you all had a magical and marvelous day. I could just steal all that vintage-packaging on those games. What a treat. xo
@Lauren: No problem. :)
It must have been amazing growing up with an artist father - no wonder you have such a great eye for detail! Oh, I do hope he lets you do the post!! :D
@Erin: Wow! Does that mean you're now totally blasé about it or do you still regard it with the same sense of wonder as when you first saw it - if you did, that is? ;)
Glad you like the photos - thank you! Isn't vintage packaging the best thing ever?! :D xoxo
I so adore the LOVE sculpture and have been eyeing up the mini paperweight version for YEARS. Tate Modern used to sell it and I'm not quite sure why I never bought it. I think I had trouble choosing the colour:)
What a great day out and I LOVE the toys... so my thing!
I know so many people who belong to the NT and they ALL love it and feel proud to be part of it. No doubt you guys will equally enjoy it!
Watch Miss Potter, it's utterly charming and shows how a woman in that era went against the social fabric to pave the way for women like me:)
Nice post x
What a great way to spend Father's Day! Your third photo down of the LOVE sculpture with the building slightly blurred in the back is my favorite. What a gorgeous day. I love going to the museum with the kids. I think we are due for a trip. Your post has properly inspired me. Thank you, Chi!
We are regulars there chi! It took my breath away when we first visited a few years ago. Great photos and write up x
@Tina: Thanks, Tina! x
Paperweight, you say? Oooooh, I'd love one in red - no pun intended! I'll go seek one out. :D
Guess I'll be watching Miss Potter this weekend - thanks for the recommendation. :)
@Theresa: Thanks and you're welcome! It had been a while since we'd taken L to an exhibition and she absolutely loved it. :)
@Caroline: I thought you might be! It's a truly gorgeous place and the staff couldn't have been more welcoming.
Glad you liked the post - thank you. :) x