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Exhibitions

Landscape
and
Imagination

From Gardens to Land Art

21 March 2024 - 16 June 2024

an elegant, thoughtful tour of the place of landscape and gardens in our culture

Financial Times

A series of abstract silver fountain sculptures resembling intestines in a shallow pool stand in a row in a grassy park setting, with tall trees in the background.

Opening Times

Wed – Sun: 10am-5pm

Mon and Tue: Closed, except bank holiday Mondays

Galleries are open 10.30am – 5pm

About the
Exhibition

 

You could explore how artists and designers reimagined nature in this delightful exhibition.

Guest-curated by Professor Christiana Payne, it showcased how artists like JMW Turner, Nicolas Poussin, Ian Hamilton Finlay and Anya Gallaccio have shaped landscapes over time. From grand 17th-century gardens to modern land art, you could discover how artists have interacted with the designed landscape.

From the formal grounds of the 17th and 18th centuries to smaller flower-filled gardens of the 19th and 20th centuries, artists and garden designers have made their mark on the landscape around them. Today, environmentally conscious land artists undertake earth moving schemes which echo the grand planting schemes of the past.

This exhibition questioned whether these artistic visions of the ideal landscape have warped our concept of what is truly natural and how art can work together with nature to reverse the decline of our green spaces.

Children and families imagined their own colourful and fantastical landscapes through playful interactive activities in the exhibition galleries.

A sculpture of two abstract bronze figures situated on a pedestal in an art gallery setting. The background depicts a peaceful countryside landscape at sunset, with rolling hills, trees, and sheep grazing in a field. The sculpture is the main artistic focus, contrasting with the serene natural scenery behind it. The warm lighting and idyllic vista create an appealing and thoughtful atmosphere for appreciating the artwork.
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A girl with brown hair tied up with her back to us looks at a large landscape painting in a gallery also lined with sculptures atop plinths.
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An exhibition gallery displaying various sculptural works. In the foreground, there are several pedestals with ornamental stone sculptures, including spherical and pineapple-shaped forms reminiscent of decorative garden ornaments from the 18th century. The largest sculpture appears to be a stylised depiction of a hand grenade or artillery shell made from pale stone material. The exhibition space also includes framed landscape paintings hanging on the walls.
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A large photographic mural on one wall showing a scenic landscape with a field, trees, and sheep grazing. In the centre of the room, there is a bronze sculpture displaying an abstract human form on a light pedestal. Along the opposite wall are two tall glass display cases or vitrines, each containing a smaller sculpture.
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Two framed landscape paintings hung on a wall, with a large stone sculpture in the centre. The sculpture is an abstract orb form on a rectangular pedestal. The paintings depict scenic outdoor views with trees and bodies of water.
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Open the gallery to view all images

Landscape and
Imagination
Gallery

10 images
Several pedestals in the centre showcasing sculptures. Paintings and artworks of various styles line the walls, including landscapes, portraits, and abstract pieces in ornate frames.
An exhibition gallery space displaying artwork and artifacts. On the walls are framed historical maps and illustrations. In the centre of the room are several tall white plinths, with sculpted forms on top resembling finials. The pedestals appear to be arranged in a line across the wooden floor gallery space. The lighting and minimalist design create a clean, museum-like atmosphere for viewing the exhibited pieces.
Two colourful floral tapestries hang on a neutral colour wall.
Two paintings of landscapes on a wall between a door that opens onto a gallery with more paintings in front of a glass case containing two open books
A small miniature landscape in a shoe box size structure mounted on a wall

Landscape and Imagination is supported by The Anson Charitable Trust, The Finnis Scott Foundation and The Golsoncott Foundation

A logo for the Golsoncott Foundation. The letters G and F on a musical stage with a treble clef as an ampersand.
related events
Exhibition tour
Talks & Lectures Included in Admission

Exhibition 
tour

Wed and Thu

Sculpture in the park
Four golden sculptures are displayed in front of a grand classical building with columns; two large trophy-like pieces with eyes and faces, and two smaller helmet-shaped sculptures.
Exhibitions Included in Admission

Sculpture
in the
park

Until Sun 2 May 2027

Learn more
Compton Verney Questby THE Brothers McLeod
Family Activities

Compton Verney Quest
by 
THE Brothers McLeod

Until 17 October 2025