Hauser & Wirth Somerset
backOccupying a former farmstead in Bruton, Hauser & Wirth Somerset is home to a vibrant program of art exhibitions, events, learning activities and artists’ residencies, which connect with the local community and landscape. The top thing to do in Bruton, visitors can explore the gallery and the gardens as well as take part in activities in the implement shed.
Piet Oudolf, the internationally-renowned landscape designer from the Netherlands, has designed the landscaping scheme for the entire site, including Oudolf Field – a large perennial meadow situated behind the gallery buildings. Carefully shaped and planted, the garden echoes the tradition of classical gardens, but the variety of species and combination of plants creates a looseness, softening the formality of its appearance. Known for his use of plants with spectacular seed heads, Oudolf has created a garden that has interest year-round. At the top of Oudolf Field sits the Radić Pavilion. Designed by Chilean architect Smiljan Radić, it was installed at Hauser & Wirth Somerset in March 2015, following its unveiling the previous year as the Serpentine Gallery 2014 Pavilion.
The gallery shop offers a selection of books and gifts inspired by their current exhibitions, Hauser & Wirth artist collaborations and products relating to Oudolf Field. They have a dedicated bookshop to Hauser & Wirth Publishers, with titles from the gallery’s 30-year history. Artists’ voices, exceptional art, scholarship, design, and bookmaking are at the heart of the publishing program.
Phylidda Barlow. UNSCRIPTED
The work of Phyllida Barlow (1944 – 2023) will take over Hauser & Wirth Somerset in a celebration of the British artist’s transformative approach to sculpture, marking the 10th anniversary of the arts centre that was inaugurated by Barlow’s solo exhibition ‘GIG’ in 2014. The landmark exhibition, curated by Frances Morris, draws on her close working relationship with the artist during her lifetime. ‘Phyllida Barlow. unscripted’ will explore the evolution of Barlow’s formal and expressive vocabulary, bringing together singular sculptures, installations, studio maquettes and drawings from her extensive career, some of which will be on public view for the first time.
Alongside the exhibition, Hauser & Wirth Learning will launch a new Education Lab, ‘Open Art School’, in partnership with Bath Spa University.
Image: Phyllida Barlow, 2022 © Phyllida Barlow Estate. Courtesy the Phyllida Barlow Estate. Photo: Elon Schoenholz