Date/Time
Date(s) - 11th Feb 2026
14:00-15:30
Location
St Matthew's Church
Categories
We are delighted that Lucy Abel Smith, co-founder of Fresh Air Sculpture and chair of trustees of the Quenington Sculpture Trust, will be our speaker.
Lucy says “When David and I were asked by Wendy Shales, then of Brewery Arts, to take on an outreach exhibition of contemporary sculpture in our garden in 1992 as contemporary collectors in a small way we said of course, thinking it a one-off. That exhibition lasted for four days and we had then a mix of sculpture, ceramic and installation which we also took around other gardens in Quenington in a borrowed lorry. We probably had about 350 visitors and sold one piece – a pot to me.
Who would have thought 32 years later something we started by accident is still going strong with every sort of outside work you can imagine: sound, textiles and glass as well as more conventional work. We saw it as a sweetie box to give everyone an opportunity to see what is possible in a private garden.
It has grown organically and I would like to describe the evolution of Fresh Air. David and I set out to give pleasure. Although 2026 is the last Fresh Air, the Old Rectory commitment to the arts is to continue but in a different form.”
PLEASE NOTE THIS TALK IS ON A WEDNESDAY.
Cost per person including tea/coffee and cake: FoTW members £11, non-members £13
Non-members welcome.
If you have any questions about the event or booking please phone Alison on 01242 519413 or Sue Reeves on 01242 675497 or email events@friendsofthewilson.org.uk.
Please book using one of the following options:
- On-line bookings with a debit or credit card can be made using the form below.
- Bank transfer – please email events@friendsofthewilson.org.uk to let us know you have sent your transfer so that we can send you a booking confirmation. Bank transfers should be made to Friends of The Wilson Sort Code 30-91-87 Account 00005816. The reference must include your surname plus as much of the event title as will fit, for example SMITH ABELSMITH
- Cheque – please complete a booking form (download here ) and post it with your cheque. Please make cheques payable to Friends of The Wilson and send with a SAE or clearly written email address to Mrs Alison Pascoe, 77 Naunton Lane, Cheltenham, GL53 7AZ.
Places are not confirmed until payment is received.
Terms & Conditions: You are undertaking this event at your own risk.
If you have any problems with our booking system please email events@friendsofthewilson.org.uk and we will be happy to help.