Special Exhibition

Elisabeth Frink: A View from Within

2 December 2023 - 21 April 2024

Special Exhibition

“This is an exemplary exhibition. Small, illuminating, surprising.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Laura Freeman, The Times

“A unique opportunity to step inside and see how one of Britain’s foremost artists worked.”
The American.

“Her life-sized male figures have a physical presence, rare in modern sculpture.”
The Spectator

“The expressive sculptures of Elisabeth Frink portray people and animals with a rugged existential anxiety.”
The Guardian, Pick of the Week

“A very personal view of Elizabeth Frink at Woolland.”
Art Newspaper

“The themes Frink explored at Woolland are as relevant today as ever.”
Art Quarterly

Experience the inner world of famous sculptor Dame Elisabeth Frink (1930-1993) in a major new exhibition exploring her artistic and personal life in Dorset. Showcasing over 80  sculptures, drawings and prints, it will explore her artistic process, personal life and the influences that shaped her work.

Gain unique perspectives on Frink’s life and art at her home in Woolland, North Dorset. Discover how Frink’s creative freedom flourished in the privacy of her light-filled studio and how her garden became a gallery where animal sculptures mingled with real horses, chickens and dogs. Experience objects that have never been on public display including original plaster sculptures, personal possessions and photographs showing the life she shared with family and friends. Learn about Frink’s interest in the relationship between humans and animals, her beliefs and how she reflected on human rights abuse and freedom in her work.

Bringing together objects from public and private collections this exhibition celebrates the enduring legacy of Elisabeth Frink. The dying wishes of her son, Lin Jammet, were that the entire Frink Estate and Archive be given to the nation, ensuring that Frink’s vision of sharing her artwork within the public sphere was achieved. This generosity resulted in a significant cultural gift to 12 public museums across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with Dorset Museum & Art Gallery receiving more than 300 works.

The exhibition is generously supported by the Arts Council England NPO scheme through the Wessex Museums Partnership. Other funders include the JP Marland Trust, the Henry Moore Foundation, the Ann James Art Fund, The Finnis Scott Foundation and the Fine Family Foundation.

Elisabeth Frink: A View from Within is sponsored by Duke’s Fine Art Auctioneers, Dorchester.