Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) presents the largest solo exhibition of work by celebrated artist and illustrator Emily Sutton. Town and Country runs at the Park near Wakefield from 15 November 2014 until 22 February 2015.
Adorning the walls of YSP Centre, Town and Country features a delightful display of original and intricate paintings and screen-prints, along with a flock of beautifully embroidered birds nesting in the YSP Shop window.
Incorporating a love of pattern and detail, Sutton has taken inspiration from the historic buildings and follies at YSP, along with her recent travels in Europe. The artist’s frequent visits to the 500-acre Park have resulted in a collection of new, YSP-inspired, work for the exhibition, including her first ever limited edition lithograph print, produced by Curwen Studio and exclusive to YSP.
Based in York, Sutton has worked with many distinguished clients around the world. She has illustrated books for the Victoria & Albert Museum, Faber and Faber, Random House, Penguin and Walker Books and undertaken commissions for brands such as Hermes, Fortnum & Mason and Betty’s of Harrogate. Sutton was awarded the Elle Decoration British Design Award 2011 for her Curiosity Shop fabric for St Jude’s. Town and Country coincides with the publication of Transferware Treasures, a limited edition hand-bound foldout book of the artist’s watercolours of Victorian transferware, published by Fleece Press.
All the works in Town and Country are available to buy, together with a range of exclusive merchandise, designed by the artist, including a tote bag, a range of plates and mugs, a silk scarf and a cut-and-sew tea towel.
Two special events accompany the exhibition: Embroidery & Stitch with Emily Sutton on 29 November 2014, an opportunity to join the artist in a needlecraft workshop using the YSP cut-and-sew tea towel to make a bird and nest; and children’s workshop, Hat-Making on 7 February 2015, inspired by the Victoria & Albert Museum book Clara Button and the Magical Hat Day, which is illustrated by the artist. Find out more and book online at ysp.co.uk/events
In recent years, YSP has led successful exhibitions with some of the UK’s best-known artists and designers including Rob Ryan, Donna Wilson, Mark Hearld and Angie Lewin.
YSP Shop showcases original work by international artists and contemporary designers and makers. The shop was awarded the title of Best Independent Retailer of the Year at the 2012 and 2013 Northern Designs Awards.