The two-month-long event takes place from 2nd April to 1st June 2024 near Dorchester

Dorset’s sculpture park and botanic garden, Sculpture by the Lakes, has announced its much anticipated annual exhibition, now in its fourth year. FORM builds on previous successes and will feature works from more than 35 top sculptors at the park from 2nd April to 1st June 2024.

Monumental pieces, created by some of the UK’s leading sculptors, and including Simon Gudgeon’s first-ever sound sculpture, will be showcased across 26-acres of lakes, rivers, gardens, and woodlands. Intimate pieces will be displayed in the Sculpture by the Lakes Gallery.

Madeleine Bertorelli, Gallery Manager at Sculpture by the Lakes, said: “We are so excited for this forthcoming show. This really will be something very special as the sculptors look to push the boundaries of their work, demonstrating that the aesthetic experience exists beyond the eyes.

“FORM continues to grow and evolve and we welcome the opportunity to show exceptional pieces by several new artists in this beautiful setting.”

Visitors will be able to walk underneath a 5-metre sculpture of Icarus by sculptor Nicola Godden.   

Nicola has long been fascinated by the Icarus myth, an inspiring figure of daring, youthful courage and optimism. Her first Icarus sculpture was commissioned for the 2012 London Olympics and was on display in the Olympic Village. This latest piece has been 18 months in the making.

Will Carr will showcase his new kinetic wind sculpture, ‘Fluidity’. Commenting on his work, Carr said: “‘Fluidity’ is my largest and most ambitious kinetic wind sculpture so far. I endeavour to bring a sense of joy to its viewers with its ever-changing flows of energy. This contemporary sculpture enhances the space it inhabits by reflecting the world around it and reacting to new weather conditions with a variety of different movements.

“The mesmerising and enchanting nature of its rotational flow makes it fascinating and inspiring to watch, as it appears to dance and play in its natural environment.”

There will be a solo presentation of renowned wildlife sculptor Adam Binder in The Retreat, a venue next to the river. 

New works from established favourites Carol Peace, Carl Longworth, Beatrice Hoffman and Marie Ackers will be nestled into the landscape ready to be discovered alongside works by new artists David Cutler, Hamish Holman and Régis Chaperon. 

To mark the opening day on Saturday 30th March, Sculpture by the Lakes will host series of talks and events, including ‘Meet the Artist’ Q&A sessions with exhibiting sculptors, workshops and demonstrations.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk.

All works will be for sale and are available to view on www.gallerybythelakes.co.uk.