Time Horizon

Today’s a trip to Houghton Hall, primarily to see Anthony Gormley’s ‘Horizon Time’ - an exhibition of sculpture consisting of 100 life size figures placed in 300 acres of parkland. 

The figures are said to stand on a unified horizontal plane, so some are elevated above ground while others are partially buried- in some cases only their heads show. To be honest, I’m not convinced the elevation of the parkland varies that much, but I’m more than fascinated by these iron figures all facing in different directions so that they appear isolated. Seeing them in the beautiful parkland or against the grandeur of the Hall - and in fact one is actually in the entrance hall,  urged deep into the stone floor - is both beautiful and intriguing. 

Time Horizon – Exhibitions – Antony Gormley

I probably spend far longer with the figures than the rest of our party, though Lili does find her encounter very puzzling! It’s a fascinating photography ‘assignment’.

We also explore both the beautiful walled garden where dahlias still flower flamboyantly, and the house, once home of Robert Walpole. Most of the house is extravagantly decorated to reflect the ‘wealth, taste and power’ of its owners - fabulous in many ways and seen as one of the finest examples of Palladian architecture in England. Lili and parents have the added bonus of travelling up to the public rooms by an ancient lift so she can stay in her pram! 

History of Houghton Hall & Gardens | Norfolk, England