From the 18th of September to the 15th of October, Kew Gardens featured more that 80 figurative and abstract sculptures and over 30 British and International artists, in one of the largest exhibitions of outdoor and indoor sculpture in London. It showed a wide range of different sculptures including, different media, such as ceramics, bronze, glass and woodwork.

One of the many artists showcasing his work at Kew was Paul Vanstone. Paul is British and studied sculpture at Saint Martin’s school of art, and then went on to obtain an MFA at the Royal College of Art in 1993. His work has been showcased in a number of galleries and museums in the UK, including the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

At Kew he exhibited three large ‘head’ works, in Carrera and Portuguese marble. His work is influenced by other artists such as Zaha Hadid and Henry Moore, who are major influencers of modern British sculpture showing a passion for curvaceous art design and architecture techniques. Paul Vanstone uses different types of marble in his work, this transforms his sculptures and makes them come alive, by shaping the material to create realistic curves which depict the human body’s shape.

Another artist showcasing his work at Kew Gardens was Simon Gudgeon. Simon grew up in Yorkshire on a family farm, learning about the ways animals and bids behave, which led to inspire his minimalistic and smooth sculpting style. After studying Law at Reading University, he practiced as a solicitor, and only in his thirties became interested in art. He started out painting and then he exhibited at London’s Battersea Exhibition Centre in1992. His love of art continued when he was urged to try out sculpting at 40, which started his new career.

Simon’s sculpted shapes were inspired by nature and wildlife, and he developed a smooth and minimalistic style using bronze, marble, granite, glass, and stainless steel, to capture the pure elegance and grace of his surroundings. At Kew four pieces of his work were displayed, including a sculpture called ‘leaf spirit’, two bronze bird forms, and an oak bronze and stainless steel owl sculpture.

A visitor at Kew called Marc Younger said ‘What a beautiful setting for these truly awesome works of art. It’s breath taking’ The wide range of sculptures at Kew, reflected the delicate and exquisite surroundings of the gardens, and mirrored the angelic and enticing world around us.

Grace Younger Gumley House Convent School