Gallery’s spectacular Summer of Sculpture shows the shape of things to come

Launching this May, the gallery’s landmark celebration of an artistic medium now synonymous with the region is set to rank among their most ambitious summer programmes to date.

The programme will begin with artist Garth Evans’ The Anti-Virus Sculptures, created at his home in Connecticut during the first Covid lockdown, which will be displayed at the gallery from May 22 until October 4.

Made up of more than 30 small-scale plaster sculptures, each has its own name and as part of the exhibition, visitors in Leeds will even have the chance to suggest titles for as yet unnamed sculptures.

The artist created the pieces out of a desire to protect himself and the world from the impact of the pandemic.

He said: “It was a very uncertain time, and we did not know if it would end. I had this fantasy that I could create an army of sculptures that could somehow protect the world or at least protect me. And in a way, they did protect me. They kept me sane, and I am still here.”

Also opening in May will be Arp: The Plasters, an exhibition celebrating the recent acquisition of a group of plaster sculptures by French-German sculptor, painter and poet Jean (Hans) Arp (1886-1966), a gift from the Stiftung Arp, e.V. to Leeds Museums and Galleries and The Hepworth Wakefield.

Arp began creating sculptures in the early 1930s, with plaster as his chosen medium. His plasters took on a variety of different functions: they were not only used for bronze casting, but were also exhibited, and placed in his studio as inspiration and as raw material.

Other renowned sculptors, including Yorkshire’s own Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, were inspired by their visits to Arp’s studio in Meudon during the 1930s.

Following Arp’s death in 1966, his second wife Marguerite Arp-Hagenbach began systematically donating plasters to international museums, a donation programme which is now being continued by the Stiftung Arp e.V.

Leeds Museums and Galleries recently acquired a group of 10 Arp plaster sculptures, which will be displayed together with a group gifted to The Hepworth Wakefield. The exhibition will run until October 4.

The Summer of Sculpture will also include UNEARTHING(S) by Hannah Catherine Jones (b.1987) from May 22 until August 30.

A Yorkshire Contemporary commission for Leeds Art Gallery, this will mark Jones’ first exhibition in her home county and her largest solo presentation to date.

An artist, composer and multi-instrumentalist, Jones is known for her layered soundscapes, performances and sculptural interventions used to conjure other-worldly installations.

Employing the unique setting of Leeds Art Gallery’s Central Court and its chapel-like architecture, UNEARTHING(S) will explore individual and collective themes of grief and regeneration while drawing upon the artist’s own history and experience growing up as part of Yorkshire’s Caribbean diaspora.

Rounding off the summer’s events will be Dinner Party, an exhibition comprised of works by Matthew Smith, Jacob Epstein and Olivia Bax, which will be at the gallery from June 26, 2026 until February 6, 2027.

Revisiting a pioneering exhibition organised by Philip Hendy (director of Leeds City Art Gallery 1934-36) at Temple Newsam House during the Second World War, Dinner Party brings together the intense vibrant paintings of Matthew Smith with the modernist bronze sculptures of Jacob Epstein.

Their work will be joined by contemporary artist Olivia Bax's brightly coloured vivid sculptures and assemblages.

Jane Bhoyroo, principal keeper at Leeds Art Gallery, said: “This summer is set to be a hugely exciting time for the gallery and for the arts in Leeds, as we prepare to exhibit work by some of the most innovative and influential sculptors from the 20^th century and those working today.

“This striking programme will see the gallery host an entire summer season devoted to sculpture, giving visitors the chance to experience historically innovative work from our world class collection alongside enthralling sculptures by contemporary artists presented in Leeds for the first time.”

Home to one of the most significant collections of twentieth-century British art in the UK, Leeds Art Gallery has assembled a renowned collection of modern and contemporary British sculpture, including works by Phyllida Barlow RA, Anthony Gormley RA,  Hew Locke RA, Mike Nelson RA, Veronica Ryan RA and Alison Wilding RA.

The gallery is part of Yorkshire Sculpture International, a partnership with Henry Moore Institute, The Hepworth Wakefield and Yorkshire Sculpture Park, recognising Yorkshire as a hub for sculptural excellence. Its Summer of Sculpture paves the way for ambitious plans for collaborative programming celebrating sculpture in 2027.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “Leeds Art Gallery’s reputation as a world-renowned centre for contemporary sculpture continues to grow and prestigious events like this emphasise just how significant the collection there is.

“Most importantly it gives us the opportunity to invite visitors to experience the gallery and city in a new way and to learn more about why Leeds is such a vibrant and exciting cultural destination.”

For more details about Leeds Art Gallery and the summer programme, visit: Leeds Art Gallery | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

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