Yorkshire Sculpture Park



Henry Moore

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park, near Wakefield, is a  wonderful day out.  It is set in 500 acres of rolling parkland, spread round a modern hub, housing a restaurant, gift shop and facilities.

Parking is easy, costing £7.50 for the day - that is all - no other charges.  Sculpture is everywhere; Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore leading down to the lake, surrounded by sheep and lambs.  In the gardens near the building, there is a treasure trove of smaller sculptures including Hepworth's 'Family of Man'.  In the Garden Gallery at the moment is the Juan Miro exhibition displayed in four large rooms.

Antony Gormley

There is also, for the fit, a wonderful circular 2km walk through the woods where you can see more sculptures including the work of Andy Goldsworthy and the above piece by Antony Gormley; one of his famous iron figures standing high on top of a tree trunk. 

David Nash

David Nash's 71 huge 'Black Steps' at Oxley Bank rise up from the lake and seem to disappear into the woods beyond.  Made from charred and oiled wood with 30 tons of coal embedded between, the installation is constanly changing with exposure to the Yorkshire weather and day to day wear and tear. 

A highly recommended day out!  Shirley

Eilat's Underwater Observatory Marine Park

As a creative sort of person born under the Zodiac sign of Pisces, I have always been drawn to water and reflections; be it rivers, waterfalls or seascapes.  It's not surprising that on a recent trip to Eilat, Israel, I visited the underwater Observatory Marine Park and delighted in viewing the corals and was fascinated by the tropical fish.

I hope these images convey just some of the inspiration and pleasure nature can provide in a thriving sea bed.  The next exhibition by members of Cheshire Textiles at the Howgill Gallery, Farfield Mill, Cumbria, entitled 'Conversations with Water' will be interpreting how water the Elixir of life connects us to our environment.   Sylvia