Issue 39 Sept 23 - Journal - Page 78
ated a major work using stone extracted from the Brathay
and Kirkby-in Furness quarries. Over two years, Brook
has explored the industry and the dramatic sites of local
quarries. This monumental outdoor sculpture reflects the
region’s historical relationship with slate and stone and
contrasts with the formal architecture of Holker Hall,
offering a rare opportunity for people to physically interact
with Brook’s work in the pastoral setting of Holker Hall’s
Deer Park.
Dame Barbara Hepworth’s Moon Form - which entered
the Lakeland Arts permanent collection during lockdown
- will go on display in the entrance hall at the gallery.
The acquisition was included in the Arts Council’s
Cultural Gifts Scheme and Acceptance in Lieu Annual
Report 2020-21.
Rhian Harris, Chief Executive of Lakeland Arts, said: “We
are delighted to be reopening Abbot Hall with a stunning
exhibition by the British artist Julie Brook. This is the start
of a new era for Abbot Hall as a welcoming and vibrant
space for all.”
A new book accompanying the show will be published by
Lund Humphries to coincide with the exhibition. What
is it That Will Last? Land and Tidal Art of Julie Brook
offers a rich and expansive visual record of Julie Brook’s
artistic practice and proposes a unique collaboration
between Brook and distinct voices from the nature writing
and craftsmanship traditions. Find information about the
book here.
Abbot Hall will also launch a new digital gallery guide to
enrich both onsite and offsite visits. The free guide joins
more than 150 cultural institutions around the globe on
the established Bloomberg Connects network.
The free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg
Philanthropies will be available for download from Google
Play or the App Store. It will feature photo, audio and
video features offering unique insights into Abbot Hall.
What is it That Will Last? is generously supported by
The Granada Foundation, the Holker Group and
Burlington Stone, Kendal Town Council, Lakeland Arts
Support Trust, L & W Wilson Ltd, South Lakeland
District Council, and Young Films.
On the opening weekend Abbot Hall is promising family
activities both inside and outside the gallery. A creative
space will offer a place to relax with a coffee bar serving
drinks and cakes.
Helen Stalker, Lakeland Arts Senior Producer
(Collections), said: “Abbot Hall will offer a new exhibition
and engagement programme that explores dynamic stories
behind landscape, ecology and identity. This signals a new
direction for the refurbished gallery.”
Julie Brook’s work frequently emerges from her inhabitation of a landscape and its materials. Exposed to the full
range of natural forces, these works are often transient in
character, or eventually eroded by the elements.
Her seminal work, Firestacks, will be presented as an
immersive series of films that enable us to experience the
might and mystery of the tidal forces that surround the
islands of Scotland. These dazzling beacons of fire, crafted
by the artist through feats of physical endurance, are
eventually consumed by the sea, inviting us to engage
with our own precarious co-existence with the natural
world.
Above, Winter Wall by Julie Brook
Other works include:
A stepped stone path that has been handbuilt by Brook in the steep Kanagaso quarry in Japan.
l Ascending.
Winter Wall. Built on moorland on the Isle of Harris,
Winter Wall receives the evening light at midwinter.
l
Parallel Space. A sculptural work created deep inside
the Winter Chamber of the underground quarry in
Takigahara, Japan.
l
Outdoor sculpture, Holker Hall. Commissioned by
Lakeland Arts in collaboration with the Holker Group
and its subsidiary Burlington Stone. Here Brook has cre-
l
Above, Ascending by Julie Brook
i
i
Conservation & Heritage Journal
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