Millstream Sculpture Garden 2008
a new sculpture venue for the South West

Millstream Sculpture Garden is an exciting new sculpture venue (opened 2007) that fuses together the best of modern architecture, garden design and art.  Millstream House was designed for, and by, architect Michael Newberry, who first came to prominence when he built the UK’s first glass house, for himself, in 1957 near Capel, Surrey.  Millstream, built in 2002, is a classic one-storey, flat roofed, glass and steel house, located in Bishopstrow, near Warminster, Wiltshire. The building is complimented by a garden designed by the acclaimed garden designer, John Brookes. Balanced between being both formal and informal, this intimate yet spacious garden is a perfect setting for sculptors to display their work.

Michael Newberry explains, “From the outset, I designed Millstream to incorporate exterior sculpture.   The light, the location, the stream running alongside and the beautiful surroundings provide an ideal backdrop for sculpture. I’ve always liked sculpture, probably because it is three-dimensional and tactile, both of which appeal to the architect and designer in me. At Millstream we are trying to encourage the public to see the potential of buying good quality sculpture for their gardens. In recent years there has been an increase in awareness of outdoor sculpture, especially in the West Country.  And in this venue, it will be easier for buyers to imagine how the works look within a small scale garden.” 

Geoffrey Bertram, art consultant and co-curator at Millstream, continues; “Besides appealing to the experienced art buyer, we are hoping to attract people who may never have thought about buying a work of art, to consider purchasing a piece of sculpture for their own garden. Millstream is all about showing how beautifully designed and crafted   sculpture adds a new and exciting dimension to any size garden setting, and that it is affordable.”

The 2008 season starts on Saturday 3rd May. This year’s selection of sculptures is very open in subject and material. In the garden are the sculptures of Chris Buck, Nigel Cann, Christine Fox, Richard Kindersley, Jonathan Leslie, Cathy Lewis, Rosie Musgrave, Henry Swanzy, Guy Thomas, Carole Waller and Raymond Wirick;  indoors Peter Burke, Tim Harrisson, Margaret Hunter. Two carved plaster heads by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi are also featured. All artworks are for sale.

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