Hauser & Wirth is Worth a Visit

If you are a fan of contemporary art, and Turner Prize winners, you will love the current exhibition at Hauser & Wirth, Somerset's pioneering world-class gallery and multi-purpose arts centre.  On until September 11th, it is the work of Martin Creed, entitled 'What you Find'.  He won the Turner Prize in 2001 for ' Work No.227 The Lights Going Off and On.'  I can't show you any pics, as no photography is allowed in the galleries, but I can tell you that it is certainly an eclectic mix of film, painting, textiles and installations, which won't be to everybody's taste...

However, it is worth a visit, as it is such an exciting place - full of interesting architecture, sculptures, a shop and an on-site restaurant - the Roth Bar & Grill, which serves delicious, locally sourced food. One of the cooks can be seen in the top left pic, picking fresh herbs from their raised vegetable beds!

  
Even the bar is a work of art, created by the son and grandson of artist Dieter Roth, as a tribute to him. You can see, above right, and middle left, that it is made of scavenged materials - a central motif in his work.  This theme continues throughout the interiors - look at the washing facilities for the toilets (above top right)!

The fabulous landscaped gardens, designed by internationally renowned Dutch designer, Piet Oudolf, look their best this time of year.  At the end of the Oudolf field of perennial flowers, is this unusual temporary structure, The Radic Pavilion - see below.  It is  made from fibreglass and designed by Smiljan Radic.  I took a walk inside - it has a built-in bar and would make a great party venue...

  

Helen - Contributor