A natural context

Our stunning landscape was designed over 200 years ago as a private pleasure ground. Much thought was given to the planting of thousands of imported exotic trees, to the modelling of hills and valleys, and the use of water and architectural features. Split up in the late 1940s, the estate has, in recent years, been brought together by YSP, providing open access and an integrated landscape management plan.

For the last 30 years, we have used the landscape, vistas and other features to site a range of fascinating exhibitions, commissions and installations. We also take care to preserve the spirit of the design of the historic landscape as we restore and protect the estate for the public and for future generations. Managing the estate is a massive task which includes working with farmers, foresters, gardeners and artists. The installation of exhibitions in the open air requires special skills, as does the restoration of planting schemes and drystone walling.

Feilden Clegg Bradley have skilfully created exquisite architecture, which sits sensitively within the landscape. The new Underground Gallery, cut into the hillside of the Bothy Garden, provides three galleries which are ideal for the display of sculpture.

Beyond the gardens and Underground Gallery are rolling fields, lakes and broad countryside: all are changed dramatically by passing time and seasons. Brooding skies; bright, frosty mornings; languid summer afternoons; smoky autumn mists - each evokes different sensory experiences of landscape and art. The Underground Gallery builds on these unique surroundings for art: a context that challenges and inspires our visitors and every artist that works with YSP.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a registered charity (number 1067908), accredited museum and a registered company limited by guarentee (3498700). 

 

What's on

Current exhibitions
Current events

Nature’s Gallery
YSP are currently developing ‘Nature’s Gallery’, an online field guide to wildlife and plants at YSP. Help to illustrate the field guide by taking photographs of animals and plants you discover during your visit and e-mail them to oliver.brown@ysp.co.uk. See how Nature’s Gallery is growing.