Lynn Chadwick at Houghton Hall

Just opened, Houghton Hall’s latest major exhibition brings the work of British sculptor, Lynn Chadwick, to Norfolk for the largest UK showcase of his work in more than twenty years.

For those not in-the-know

Chadwick became one of Britain’s leading post-war sculptors after winning the International Sculpture Prize at the Venice Biennale in 1956, beating Alberto Giacometti at just 41 years old — a record he still holds as the youngest sculptor to receive the award. His work is known for its distinctive angular forms, movement and sense of energy, often drawing inspiration from both human and animal figures.

The exhibition

Spread throughout the house and grounds, the exhibition features more than 30 sculptures spanning four decades of Chadwick’s career, from the 1950s through to the 1990s. Some works have rarely been shown publicly before, while others are among his best-known pieces.

Expect monumental steel sculptures across the parkland, angular paired figures set against Houghton’s grand architecture, and kinetic works designed to move with the wind.

Curated by Pangolin London, the exhibition makes full use of Houghton Hall’s landscape. One of the standout pieces is Ace of Diamonds III, Chadwick’s final major work - a six-metre-long moving sculpture installed on the main lawn that shifts with the breeze and catches the changing light throughout the day.

There’s also the chance to see Large Barley Fork for the first time publicly. Originally left unfinished during Chadwick’s lifetime due to the complexity of its engineering, the sculpture has now been completed by the artist’s estate and installed in the Old Stables Courtyard.

Why Houghton Hall?

Houghton Hall has become known for its large-scale exhibitions in recent years, previously hosting work by Antony Gormley, Damien Hirst, Henry Moore and Anish Kapoor. Chadwick’s sculptures feel particularly well suited to the setting, sitting naturally against the Palladian architecture and expansive Norfolk landscape.

The exhibition is now open. Tickets start from £22 online, with under 18s going free. Click here to find out more.

Stay A While

If you're travelling to Norfolk for the exhibition, make the most of the time in the region with a night away. The estate is a 22 minute drive from Titchwell Manor and 25 minutes from newly refurbished The Ancient Mariner Inn with lodges and Boathouse overlooking Old Hunstanton beach.