Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, UK - Discovering art in nature: A visit to YSP
- Julie James
- Aug 20, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 1, 2024
‘I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free’ Michelangelo
One of my favourite, ‘go to’ local walks in West Yorkshire is the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Nestled in beautiful countryside, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is a unique blend of art, nature, and history. Spanning over 500 acres of stunning 18th century landscape, this open-air art gallery offers a truly immersive experience where inspiring sculptures seamlessly integrate with the picturesque natural landscape.
I go to the Sculpture Park when I want a gentle walk rather than a big hike. It is a place to meander, stop and contemplate, sit for a while, and get lost in the magic of the surroundings.
For me, one of the most endearing aspects of YSP is the interaction of art with nature. The park hosts an ever-changing display of sculptures and exhibitions, alongside ongoing long-term pieces by both established and emerging artists from around the world with examples from luminaries such as Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and Damien Hirst. Each piece of art has been thoughtfully placed within the rolling parkland creating an enjoyable journey of discovery.
Such is the park’s expansive space, there is always a different route to take, always something new to see and the stunning landscape is very much a part of the experience providing a rich canvas background to the art itself.
The park is a patchwork of meadows, formal gardens, woodland, and a beautiful lake, creating a constantly changing backdrop for the art, throughout the seasons. In spring, the grounds come alive with vibrant wildflowers, while autumn brings a rich tapestry of colours as the leaves change and the bright, cold, frosty days of winter create a magical, winter wonderland. My images show the park on different visits.
The harmony between the rugged, rolling natural beauty of the Yorkshire countryside and the works of art creates a dynamic dialogue, blurring the boundaries between the art of nature and the creativity of man-made art.
My walk usually begins at the YSP Visitor Centre, where you can pick up a map and get an overview of the park. The Visitor Centre is also home to an indoor gallery that often features temporary exhibitions, so it’s worth visiting either before or after a walk. There is a fabulous gift shop to browse and a cafe/restaurant with a balcony view across the park.
This route takes you clockwise across the lush, green parkland down towards the lower lake. Along this route Barbara Hepworth’s serene vertical figures, "The Family of Man" harmonises with the natural surroundings.
Continuing towards the lake, sheep graze, unconcerned amongst the art, adding to the natural beauty of this rolling countryside. Henry Moore’s iconic, abstract "Draped Reclining Figure" sits on the grassland, a dark solid sculpture which stands out against the greenery of the landscape.
Moving further along the wide green expanse you reach the bridge across the Dam Head Weir. A beautiful stone bridge and a place to stop and take in the views both sides. Look to the right and admire the view across the lovely wide lake, look left to see Damien Hirst’s imposing sculpture ‘The Virgin Mother’. Standing at an amazing 33 feet tall, the sculpture depicts a pregnant woman with one side of her body peeled away to reveal the foetus, muscles, and organs beneath. Positioned dramatically in the open fields of the park the piece is stunning, up close the sheer detail and scale of this work is awe-inspiring.
As you move through this side of the park, you will encounter other works by Damien Hirst, each offering a profound commentary on life, death, and the human condition.
Crossing over the Dam Head Bridge you enter the woodlands, where the atmosphere becomes more introspective. Among the trees, you will find David Nash’s "Seventy-One Steps," a wooden staircase created with 71 charred oak steps that will erode and change overtime, symbolising time, and transformation.
Walking through the woods, sited on the ridge of Oxley Bank is Sean Henry’s monumental ‘Seated Figure’. The 10-foot figure is positioned suggesting he is contemplating the stunning far-reaching views across countryside beyond, and it is a place to stop and take in those views.
Further along the walk, in the Formal Garden you will discover the work of Daniel Arsham, five bronze sculptures, his ‘Relics in the Landscape’ depicting the artist’s unique approach to time, architecture, and decay set against the natural landscape of the park.
A beautiful piece is "Eroded Venus de Milo": One of Arsham’s standout pieces, this sculpture is a reimagining of the iconic Venus de Milo, with sections appearing to have eroded away to reveal crystalline structures within. Positioned in an open space, this work plays with the idea of archaeological discovery and the fleeting nature of time and, as with all the sculptures it is a time to stop and reflect.
As I write this piece, I realise there is a repetitive theme running through many of the sculptures at YSP, a theme of the cycle of life, the passing of time and the changes this brings, reflecting the natural landscape of the home to these works of art. The cycle of nature, the changes as seasons end and begin and the poignancy and beauty of this.
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a walk that offers a profound journey through art and nature, every step reveals new perspectives, thought provoking pieces, art to admire and art that challenges.
It is also a place with a stunning natural landscape; rolling hills, sunlight reflecting on the calm lakes, beautiful woodland, and an abundance of colourful flora that changes with the seasons. YSP provides a unique setting where both the art of nature and man-made art merge into a single, unforgettable experience.
Each visit to YSP is a unique adventure, its continually changing art, and exhibitions make it a place to visit repeatedly with endless opportunities for discovery, reflection, and inspiration.
Walked 18th July 2024 🥾
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