England

Heart of Reeds: Chris Drury Land Art

Heart of Reeds by Chris Drury - Lewes - Photo © Alice Joyce

You can discern the sinuous pattern – a double vortex – of Chris Drury’s Heart of Reeds installation that emerges from the landscape when you stand on the project’s boardwalk, or look upon the artwork from the viewing mound. Drury likens the design to a “cross section through a human heart, reflecting the interconnections between man and environment.” On his web site, Drury includes the Lewes land art project in the category: Growing Works – rather than a Commissioned, Permanent or Temporary Site-Specific Installation, or a Cloud Chamber. You need walk only a few minutes from the center of town to take in the wetland’s sights and sounds, as a break from the gentle hubbub that Lewes offers residents and travelers.

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England

Bloomsbury Murals: Sussex

Berwick Church mural by Angelica Bell Photo © Alice Joyce

In the breathtaking Sussex countryside of the South Downs, Berwick Church is a must-see destination for all travelers who are interested in the artists and writers associated with the Bloomsbury Group. The church’s clear glass windows replaced the Victorian windows destroyed by bombs during World War II. Verdant floral arrangements are installed throughout the church during the Springtime’s Light of Light Flower Festival. A forward-thinking Bishop with an appreciation for the Arts chose to commission the 20th century murals that adorn the church, hiring British artist Duncan Grant, together with Vanessa Bell (Virginia Woolf’s sister), and her son, Quentin Bell. Below: The original pulpit panels painted by Vanessa Bell were vandalized in 1962. Daughter Angelica Bell designed the replacement artwork.

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England

Gravetye Manor Resurgence

Gravetye Manor - Wm. Robinson's Garden Room Photo © Alice Joyce

Once home to the doyen of 19th century English gardening, William Robinson’s historic Gravetye Manor is enjoying new life as a luxe country hotel and celebrated restaurant, just as the acclaimed gardens are regaining their rightful role. Having left his post at Great Dixter, Gravetye’s head gardener Tom Coward is managing the restoration of the property’s established gardenscape, while promising to add contemporary panache to planting beds, borders, and bucolic landscape.

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