Yorkshire Sculptors Group stage exhibition in Salts Mill
If you happen to be at Salts Mill over the next few weeks, you are in for a lovely surprise – a pop-up exhibition from the Yorkshire Sculpture Group which is being staged in a space in the mill that is not normally used.
The Grade II-listed historic building has so many interesting nooks and crannies and the area that is hosting the group’s latest show The Nature of Things is a vast, unrenovated, high-ceilinged space, flooded with natural light from the huge windows. It is the perfect place for a display that features a diverse range of works from a group of 22 Yorkshire-based sculptors. The group, which was established in 1985, is a collective of artists working in sculpture across the region. Members exhibit individually locally, nationally and internationally and also regularly come together for group shows such as this one.
Each of the exhibiting artists in The Nature of Things has a small number of artworks on display giving visitors a flavour of their creative practice and the kind of work they are engaged in. It is a fascinating mix of different styles, materials, scales and approaches. There are works in wood, steel, plastic, ceramic, constructed from found items and textiles. Among those exhibiting is Bradford-based artist Carole Griffiths who has been a member of the Yorkshire Sculptors Group for ten years. “It is a really supportive community,” she says. “We have regular meetings where we discuss ideas and share knowledge; everyone is keen to show their work and to find new places to exhibit. The group seems to be expanding at the moment too with some young people joining the group which is really good.”
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The title and theme of the show relate to an epic poem by the Roman philosopher Titus Lucretius – De Rerun Natura, usually translated as ‘On the Nature of Things’, an influential piece of writing which explored the idea of moderation, simplicity and community as being the foundation of happiness. “We try to choose themes that are fairly open to interpretation,” says Griffiths. “And the space we are exhibiting in also plays a part in that. The idea of community is something that comes up a lot in the philosophy of Titus Salt, who created the Mill and the village of Saltaire, so it felt appropriate to the show here. Once we have a theme, some artists might make something new specifically for the show while others will select an artwork that they already have which responds to the space or the theme.”
Griffiths’ piece Trou de Loup, a delicate conical floor sculpture made from a vintage lamp shade, surgical body bandage, string and a plastic sphere, was an already existing work that had been exhibited elsewhere, but had a refresh for this show. “It is nice to see what happens to work when it is another space,” she says. “it prompted me to make two new smaller versions to go alongside it.”
The physical space for the exhibition at Salts Mill is inspiring and evocative – the bare concrete floor, the exposed brickwork with remnants of green paint on it, the industrial beams – and the artworks on display seem so naturally suited to it; each piece seems to feature a subtle echo of its surroundings. “Exhibiting in a non-traditional gallery space, an interesting unusual public space is really exciting,” says Griffiths. “It is something we enjoy doing as a group.” Previous locations for their shows have included Wakefield Cathedral, York Minster, Wentworth Castle Gardens, the Old Parcels Office at Scarborough train station, Trapezium, a former shop unit in Bradford, and Harlow Carr. Later this summer they will be presenting their work in the outdoor spaces and greenhouses of Helmsley Walled Garden.
The response to The Nature of Things so far has been very positive. “It’s been amazing,” says Griffiths. “There has been a flow of visitors and people seem to be really intrigued by the work on show. I think there is something for everyone in this exhibition. I hope that people who might not be very familiar with sculpture will be able to see how many different types of sculpture there can be, and enjoy it for what it is. As a viewer you can take from it what you want. As artists we would like all our work to be as accessible to as many people as possible.”
The Nature of Things is at Salts Mill until May 31. The Yorkshire Sculpture Group are also exhibiting at Barnsley Civic until May 23 and at Helmsley Walled Garden, June 20-September 5.