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A visit to Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

What comes to mind when you think of Penzance? Pirates, pasties, pilchards, pints? Perhaps, if you’re an art lover, you think – Penlee House Gallery, home of many Newlyn School paintings.

You probably don’t think of Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens – twenty-two acres of rolling landscape, luscious sub-tropical planting, and forty plus sculptures by renowned international artists, one mile east of Penzance.

You’d be forgiven for not even knowing it existed, as it’s not too long ago there was a noticeable lack of wayfinding help along the narrow winding route to its (unintentionally) hidden location.

And if you read this and think- ooh yes, I’ll pop in there on my way to Penzance – you’ll need half a day in this magical, romantic place to do it justice.

Firstly, dress appropriately. Not an instruction you often hear about a visit to a sculpture exhibition. But the path can be rocky, rolling, and uneven in places, so swap the designer footwear (and flip flops) for something sensible to keep you on the safe and narrow while your concentration is stolen by the exhibits. 

Striking views compete for your attention both north and south as you enter the gardens. Behind you, St. Michael’s Mount looms over the sparkling Mounts Bay. In front, Restless Temple, a wind and gravity powered sculpture by Penny Saunders, is in constant motion. 

An uninviting, but curious brick and mortar armchair, Se Bryck (brick seat in Cornish) by Amy Cooper, discourages rest. So keep moving along the path to more sculptural surprises.

Tamsyn Challenger’s startling Ducking Stool, alongside the ticket gate, looks shockingly out of place when first seen. Until you realise that’s exactly what the artist intended. Labelled a protest piece, it was created in response to the arrest of Russian punk rock group, Pussy Riot.

“I think the ducking stool is an extraordinary way of silencing a woman – and it’s not really that long ago in our human history that such things happened. But I find that women are ducked still, constantly” -Tamsyn Challenger 

Climbing further up the hill, works in stone, metal and wood pepper the route, interspersed with structural, all-season planting, providing contrasting textures to the exhibits. Its south facing aspect creating a perfect environment for plants and people alike. Reminding locals and visitors that Cornwall has the most temperate climate in the country. 

Whether it’s Michael Chaikin’s silvery Tree of Life, Tim Shaw’s Minotaur or Olivia Bax’s Scoop that won’t let you go, leave time for the gallery, gift shop, plant area and restaurant. In fact, I’ve upped my estimate…. better allow a whole day for this this enchanting garden.

http://www.tremenheere.co.uk