In 2019, the working world of Elisabeth Frink arrived at Messums Wiltshire with the reconstruction of her Woolland studio in our historic tithe barn. The studio was rescued from collapse and revived as an exhibition space displaying works from Frink’s studio and elements of her working practice and environment. As well as providing insight into her creative process, it formed a backdrop to a programme of events exploring creative environments. Now the studio has once again taken on a new life and, sited at a location nearby, will provide the venue for a series of in-focus exhibitions to be showcased online or by special appointment in person. This will include opportunities to see work relating to our recent and forthcoming London exhibitions.
Born in 1930, Frink is amongst the most notable sculptors of the last century whose works continue to be widely exhibited in public and private collections throughout the world. In 1969 Frink was awarded a CBE and in 1971 she was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy. During the decade of 1982-1992 she was awarded a DBE, had a solo exhibition at the Royal Academy and was awarded a Companion of Honour.
Frink’s blue door studio was once at the heart of her creative process. She was drawn to this region as a place to focus on her humanitarian concerns which she expressed through her art. Within this rural landscape she honed her working practice and drew more deeply upon ideas regarding human actions, as well as the dignity of other species. Her artistic context will reside within the studio whatever its future shape. Our vision is to inspire other creative minds, nurture established and new ways of working, and develop a legacy of work that embraces different cultures and cultural practices. READ MORE
Acknowledgements
This exhibition would not have been possible without the time, expertise loans and support of the following people and organisations:
Annette Ratuszniak
BBC South Today
Coade
Frink archive, Dorset History Centre
Ken Cook & Ann Christopher
Messums Wiltshire Friends & Members
Mick Csaky
Stiff + Trevillion
Sue Parks
Tully & Bree Jammet
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Steve Russell Photography
Image (top): The Frink Studio at Messums West in 2019
