Jerwood Foundation's sculpture collection facts for kids

The Jerwood Sculpture Collection was a special group of modern sculptures from the 20th and 21st centuries. These amazing artworks were once shown at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire, England. Most of the collection was sold in 2012 at a famous auction house called Sotheby's. This means you can no longer see these sculptures at Ragley Hall today.

What Was the Jerwood Sculpture Collection?

The Jerwood Sculpture Collection started in 1999. Its main idea was to show large, impressive sculptures outdoors in beautiful natural places. Imagine huge artworks placed in gardens or parks! The collection was created by the Jerwood Foundation. This foundation is a very important group in the UK that helps support arts, education, and science.

Art in Nature

The goal was to let people enjoy art in a different way. Instead of being inside a museum, the sculptures were placed outside. This allowed visitors to see how the art looked with trees, grass, and the sky around it. It made the sculptures feel like a natural part of the landscape.

Who Made These Sculptures?

The Jerwood Sculpture Collection included works by both very famous artists and newer artists.

Famous Artists

Some of the well-known artists whose sculptures were part of the collection included:

• Dame Elisabeth Frink R.A.
• Lynn Chadwick R.A.
• Kenneth Armitage R.A.
• Michael Ayrton
• Antony Gormley R.A.
• Peter Randall-Page

The letters "R.A." after some names mean they were members of the Royal Academy of Arts. This is a very old and respected art institution in London. Being an R.A. is a big honor for an artist!

Supporting New Talent

The collection also featured sculptures by artists who were just starting out. Many of these artists had won the Jerwood Sculpture Prize. This prize helped new sculptors get their work seen by more people and encouraged them to create amazing art.

Where Was the Collection Displayed?

The sculptures were mainly displayed at Ragley Hall. This is a grand country house with large gardens and parkland in Warwickshire, England. It was a perfect setting for the large outdoor sculptures.

Ragley Hall's Role

Ragley Hall provided a wonderful backdrop for the art. Visitors could walk through the grounds and discover the sculptures placed among the trees and open spaces. It was a unique way to experience both history and modern art at the same time.

What Happened to the Collection?

In 2012, most of the Jerwood Sculpture Collection was sold. The sale happened at Sotheby's, which is one of the most famous auction houses in the world. People from all over the globe bid on the sculptures.

Why Was It Sold?

The Jerwood Foundation decided to sell the collection to focus on other ways of supporting art and artists. While it's sad that the sculptures are no longer together at Ragley Hall, many of them found new homes in other collections and places where people can still enjoy them.