LOOK!LOOK!LOOK! at Berrington Hall is a striking sculptural pavilion by renowned artists Heather and Ivan Morison.
Berrington Hall, a National Trust place near Leominster in Herefordshire, have unveiled their bespoke art installation, ‘LOOK!LOOK!LOOK!’, by internationally renowned artists, Heather and Ivan Morison. The 8-metre-tall by 8-metre-wide pink structure inhabits the walled garden at the Georgian mansion, highlighting its historical significance as the final masterpiece of iconic eighteenth century landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
The fanciful sculptural pavilion takes inspiration from eighteenth-century garden buildings or ‘eye-catchers’; indeed, this pavilion is designed to be noticed and its position in the centre of the walled garden provokes thought, discussion and reflection. The launch of the installation also marks the start of Berrington’s fundraising project to research and restore the walled garden back to its eighteenth-century origins.
Heather and Ivan carried out a thorough research and design process before creating ‘LOOK!LOOK!LOOK!’: ‘We are inspired by the geometric forms found in the house, the natural forms in the gardens, as well as the history and narrative of the pineapple at Berrington.’ The structure does bear more than a passing resemblance to a pineapple – inspired by the eighteenth-century traditions of importing exotic fruit, particularly pineapples, which are thought to have once been grown at Berrington. As artists, they share with the Georgians a fascination for shape, form and design and ‘LOOK!LOOK!LOOK!’ captures all of these elements, while sparking conversation and helping visitors to engage with the history of the garden and its wider influence.
Eighteenth-century writer, Thomas Whatley, remarked that Georgian ‘eye-catchers’ should be considered both as ‘beautiful objects’ and ‘agreeable retreats’; they would have been used for tea-drinking, musical concerts, social encounters and more. ‘LOOK!LOOK!LOOK!’ effectively combines striking aesthetics with remarkable utility, as the pavilion is also a sheltered structure, suitable for a diverse and engaging programme of activity. Berrington will be opening its doors for summer evening events this year, including an ‘Eboracum Baroque’ concert in the pavilion on 23 August and Georgian gambling on 15 September.
The pavilion is also complemented by an exhibition in the mansion, which includes bespoke artworks by Heather and Ivan and pieces from Berrington’s own collection. These highlight the influence of the garden present in almost every room of the mansion; from the intricate sprays of decorative plaster on the ceiling to the floral motifs that envelop a chair or ceramic.
Project Manager, Ellie Jones, commented: ‘This is a really exciting opportunity for Berrington. We’re hoping that visitors will engage more deeply with our story and cause as a result of ‘LOOK!LOOK!LOOK!’, as the pavilion is fundamentally inspired by Berrington’s eighteenth-century origins.’
‘LOOK!LOOK!LOOK!’ is part of Trust New Art, the National Trust’s contemporary arts programme in partnership with Arts Council England, to inspire people of all ages to see and enjoy National Trust places in a new way through the eyes of contemporary artists.
More details about opening times, accessibility, events and all other activities Berrington Hall have planned can be found by visiting their website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/berringtonhall
More information on the Leominster area can be found here.