Coombe Trenchard was built in 1906 during the
Art & Crafts era and at the height of Britain’s glamorous and decadent Edwardian period. The design and construction of the house and the gardens epitomise the aesthetic and ideological ideals of these times; no expense was spared to ensure that every detail was not only finely crafted but also innovative and individual.

In much the same way as the Arts & Crafts movement grew up out of a desire to stand proud of the mass production of the industrial revolution
that was transforming Great Britain, the William Benington Gallery seeks out sculptural Artists and designers whose craft and independence elevates them above their contemporaries. Although our Artists work in various different media and form, they share a belief in quality, craftsmanship and skill, with an emphasis on integrity of materials
and design.

The Edwardian gardens of Coombe Trenchard lend themselves perfectly to the display of sculpture and sculptural furniture. The vogue at the time was to design a garden with multiple aspects and reveals. In both the formal gardens and the newly uncovered woodland gardens there are opportunities for Artwork to be placed where it will be flattered by its surroundings, presented in an exciting fashion to the viewer, and not be distracted from by overcrowding.

Already a popular garden to visit on its open days, the name Coombe Trenchard is rapidly becoming synonymous with Arts and culture - in 2011, as well as an open-air theatre event and live music, it hosted its first annual Arts & Crafts festival.

William Benington Gallery is excited to be working closely with Coombe Trenchard to create a forward thinking highly curated exhibition in this exceptional environment.

CHRIS AMEY

TOM ESAM

CARL HAHN

TERENCE KERSHAW

CHARLOTTE KINGSNORTH

RICK KIRBY

EVA MASTERMAN

PETER RANDALL-PAGE

FRED RIGBY

GEORGIA RODGER

FIONA SHAW

JONATHAN STOCKTON

PATRICIA VOLK

In association with

15 JUNE - 31 JULY 2012,
SCULPTURAL at Coombe Trenchard Gardens