Jupiter Artland

Our second visit to Jupiter Artland proved quite different from our first. I don't recall a map, for one thing, although this was quite confusing, especially to a couple who pride themselves - even enjoy - map reading. I'm sure the building has been updated, too. We did as advised and wandered 'at will, in no particular direction following no particular route', which means getting lost is part of the adventure. We did manage to avoid entering the private areas. 

Many of the sculptures that we had seen  were removed and a notice informed us of their original position. Current exhibition now contains some examples that I felt challenged taste; firstly that titled 'in Memory' a stone enclosure containing different styles of gravestone, complete with dates but with the names removed. The second is entitled 'Stone Coppice', whereby several huge, angular, blocks of basalt were wedged into coppiced trees (apparently the trees are expected grow around the rock) but they look extremely unnatural and uncomfortable, with a lack of understanding of nature. Sorry, Andy Goldsworthy, but to me it ain't art.

Otherwise we enjoyed the visit, in particular escaping a sudden downpour as we entered the cafe, strolling beneath the trees with umbrellas deployed but mostly pottering by the pond.

Main photo of the mounds, entitled 'Cells of Life' from a bridge. Extra 1: two pairs of busy damselflies at the pond, heavily cropped -  a pair of swans and their four cygnets didn't make the blip. Extra 2: a pair of busts, I especially like the stone from which they are carved. Extra 3: a scallop shell water feature attracted honey bees to slake their thirst - I could have watched them all day!