SIR, Visitors to Grizedale may be disappointed if they are returning to explore for new sculptures and constructions derived from and inspired by the forest environment. Sculpture in the natural environment was pioneered and developed by Bill Grant for and on behalf of the Forestry Commission, and created in Grizedale by a host of internationally-respected artists and craftsmen during the last 25 years.
While time erodes works from the past, there is little evidence of publicly accessible new work; neither the Grizedale Information Centre nor the Grizedale Arts website were able to guide me.
Careful study of the 2003-2005 Grizedale Map gives some indication of the way things are going though. The gallery is closed, allegedly because of the prohibitive cost of providing staff capable of interpreting new artist's work to the public.
The great strength of sculpture created in Grizedale in the past was its 365-day accessibility over a period of years, which is perfectly in tune with the venue. Much of the work stood for itself without explanation, and where appropriate, complementary literature was available. Maybe it was art, maybe something else.
I am now concerned that a growing number of the events planned by Grizedale Arts in the future will take place away from the forest. I am concerned too by the time-sensitive nature of most new art events in the forest. Blink and you have missed them.
I get the impression Grizedale Arts sees it as a great achievement in recent years to have expanded the scope of its work (and its budget). But this I think has happened at the expense of the heritage on which it is founded and is not reflected in what I see as a member of the visiting public.
We should remember why the whole sculpture in the forest thing started - through the recognition of a vast and unexplored opportunity to enhance the pleasure of a visit to what many saw previously as an uninviting plantation.
The object was not to create an arts administration organisation, however successful that might now be in the eyes of the art world.
Over the last 25 years sculpture in Grizedale has been the catalyst that has made a visit to the forest a good experience, and something worth repeating.
If anyone shares my concerns for the future, then please contact me.
Richard Pierce
Thwaite Bridge House, Rusland, Cumbria, LA12 8JY
Tel/Fax 01229-860 013
Email: ForestLandmarks@aol.com
April 25, 2003 12:30
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