The sculptor's studio re-enacted

We were invited to the preview of a new exhibition, 'Lynn Chadwick – the Maker's studio', at the Museum in the Park, Stroud.

Internationally renowned artist Lynn Chadwick (1914 - 2003) lived and worked for much of his adult life in Gloucestershire. To mark his centenary, and for the first time ever, Gallery Pangolin will recreate the artist's studio at the Museum in the Park. This unique exhibition will offer visitors a fascinating insight into Chadwick's working practice.

It was crowded, hot and very humid, with thunderstorms imminent, when the artist's daughter formally opened the exhibition. I stood at the back with Helena and whilst the speeches were going on I took a few pictures. One of his assistants had taken photographs of his studio when he was at work and much of his equipment has been kept. So this exhibition has been laid out by that same assistant in very much the way it was when he was at work. The photo on the wall is of him at work at Lypiatt Park, his grand home beside the road to Bisley in the hills above Stroud. You can also see one of his wire-frames in the middle of the floor, which I think were used in the preparation of his work.

We will go back when there is room to move and look at the other exhibits, as well as an interesting film that is on view showing his techniques. It was a relief to get out into the open air of Stratford Park where the museum is sited. We went on to have a freshly made stone-oven baked pizza, and organic beer at Stroud Brewery, which was delicious even though it took far too long to arrive. Then it was home to the football which didn't disappoint me. The Netherlands thrashed Spain surprisingly. I hope England can also play well tonight, it being Saturday by the time I got around to writing this journal!