This year a special sculpture, Last Night For Ever, is touring several National Trust places across Surrey and Sussex and currently can be seen in Ralph Vaughan William’s childhood home, Leith Hill Place near Dorking.
The installation by Andrea Gregson was originally created as a response to the lost green space of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, a once thriving public gardens by the River Thames. It was exhibited at The Garden Museum, London, in 2009.
Now the sculpture has a new lease of life; while its outside remains the same, the miniature world visitors can see inside is updated by Andrea for each Trust location it goes to – showing the conservation story of each new place and its importance for people and nature.
At Leith Hill Place, Andrea has used the sculpture to respond to the to the theme of ‘refuge’ – what lies underground the house, inside the earth and surrounding areas.
Referencing Charles Darwin’s wormstone in the grounds, as well as both animals and humans seeking shelter underground, visitors peek inside the sculpture through little windows and adjust roof panels to reveal different perspectives into the miniature world within.
And on Saturday 24th May, there’s an opportunity to join artist Andrea Gregson to make your very own diorama inspired by nature and the theme of refuge in the beautiful surroundings of Leith Hill Place. £25 per person.
For more information on visiting Leith Hill Place or to book your place on the workshop, please visit Visiting Leith Hill Place | Surrey | National Trust
