A NEW sculpture exhibition featuring the works of more than 20 artists opens at Mompesson House in Salisbury’s Cathedral Close on Saturday.

The exhibition is a collaboration between the Veronica Stewart Arts Trust and the National Trust, and includes work by renowned sculptors such as Elisabeth Frink and Peter Randall-Page together with new pieces specifically created for the house and garden by artists including Sher Christopher, Laura Ellen Bacon, Richard Jackson and Gillian McCormick.

The sculptures will be exhibited in the rooms and garden of Mompesson House, an 18th century Queen Anne property run by the National Trust.

Curated by Annette Ratuszniak, the exhibition looks at the connections between contemporary sculptures and historical objects and furnishings, showing how the use of materials has shaped our lives and homes across the centuries.

“The idea that historic room settings are somehow definitive belies the real nature of the past and present, which is subtle and often elusive,”

said Ratuszniak.

“With this exhibition, the first arts project of The Veronica Stewart Arts Trust, we wanted to provide a thought-provoking platform for some of the talented and highly skilled sculptors working in Britain today.

“It includes new works specifically made for the house and garden. The work of emerging artists will sit alongside established sculptors and those with international standing to create opportunities for new audiences and greater understanding of the diversity and imaginative force of contemporary sculpture that relies upon the skilled use of materials.”

For younger visitors to the house, glass artist Gillian McCormick has created a bee trail so children can reflect on our dependence on bees and the need to protect them.

The Veronica Stewart Arts Trust was established in memory of Mrs Stewart, a passionate supporter of the arts, who died in 2011.

The trust aims to support emerging artists in their chosen field.

Material Connections Across the Ages is at Mompesson House in Salisbury Cathedral Close from Saturday, March 15 to Sunday, November 2.