On Form Sculpture Show at Asthall Manor 2016

I have always loved summer evenings. I especially love English summer evenings after a rain shower, when the sky turns a golden color and the world sparkles with raindrops.  Add to that the spectacular grounds of Asthall Manor in Swinbrook (near Burford, Oxfordshire) and the On Form stone sculpture show with 268 sculptures from 39 sculptors plus the chance to spend the evening with dear friends -- it felt like heaven.

Asthall Manor is a grand house in Swinbrook, near Burford, that dates back to the 17th century.  It's most famous residents, the Mitford sisters, lived here from 1919 to 1926. It is now the private home of Rosie Pearson and her family.  Rosie is the force behind the On Form show. Their lovely garden was designed by Isable and Julian Bannerman in 1997-98 and since then has been constantly evolving.  It is one of the loveliest gardens I've seen.  I can't decide which is more beautiful, the sculptures or the grounds.  Combined, it's a sensual treat that is not soon forgotten.

More information about gardens: Asthall Manor hosts sculpture show in its grounds

More information about On Form: On Form : The showcase for contemporary sculpture in stone

Google Map link to Asthall Manor near Swinbrook

St. Nicholas Church is right next to Asthall Manor. It dates from the 12th century and is a stunning chapel with original painted walls.  

Shade by Mark Stonestreet

Portland by Louise Plant

Refuge by Aly Brown

Mother and Child by Emma Maiden

Indesity by Almuth Tebbenhof

Pianeta Arancione by Mel Fraser

Concentric Beast by Guy Stevens

Conversing by Tom Stogdon

Blue Tipped Angel by Dominic Welch

Fragment by Mark Stonestreet

Pisa Wings I and II  by Paul Vanstone

Posture by Tom Stogdon

Portal by Mark Stonestreet

Anthropocene by Angela Palmer

Inside by Guy Stevens

Talking Profiles by Paul Vanstone

Sculpture by Neil Ferber

Long Ago by Rob Good

Ortolia by William Peers

Blue Angel and Carrara Angel by Dominic Welch

Cloth Caryatid by Paul Vanstone

On Form goes until July 10.  It's such a lovely way to spend an afternoon or evening.