When we went to visit friends in Yorkshire in the summer we stopped of at the Yorkshire sculpture park. We have meant to visit before, but somehow never have.
This park was founded 1977 at, West Bretton, Wakefield. Originally a large house on a parkland of some 500 acres This Park is very easy to get to as it is only one mile from junction 38 of the M1. There was quite a lot of parking which costs £2.00 entrance to the park itself is free.
We got there after taking 5 hours to get there from near Lupton it usually takes about 3, So were tired and in need of a cup of tea so we went into the café / restaurant.
The tea was good about the same price you pay anywhere and there was a terrific view over the parkland with the hills as a backdrop .The restaurant was on the first floor and there was an outside balcony you could sit on if you wished. The snacks and meals looked fair but we did not subcombe as we were going to have a curry later,
We briefly looked around some of the indoor gallery some photographs by Kwanho Yuh a Korean who lives in Germany.
The art and sculptures in the park change from time to time as they are on loan from the artist or museums /art galleries
We went outside to view the outside exhibits. There were good paths and large grassy areas trees and bushes some of this area is accessible for wheelchair users but not very easy
The outdoor exhibits were not crowded together but given their own space.
There are sculptures by Andrew Goldsworthy, James Turrel, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Helen Escopedon and a few more. The sculptures in the park change from time to time as they are on loan from the artist or museums /art galleries.
It was interesting to walk around the park and view the sculptures; some said more to me than others. If you are in the area I would recommend a visit. Unfortunately due to traffic and our desire to continue on our journey we did not spend long enough to absorb and see all of the exhibits, we will have to visit another time when we go up north.
There are courses and classes run here for adults and children to explore and experience art. If you are interested in the Yorkshire sculpture park go to http://www.ysp.co.uk/view.aspx?id=3. Where there is information on what's going on currently
I copied the opening times from the website for you.
Open daily winter 2008. Closed 23, 24+25 December. Grounds, Centre + shop 10-5
Restaurant 10-4
(Hot food served) 11.30-3
Indoor Galleries 10-4 during exhibitions
Longside Gallery Closed
Car park locked 5.30