Trip to Philip Jackson's Garden at Casters Brook and Woolbeding

Trip write up by Annette Wood

Back in 2018, I took a group of forty EHS members to the home and studio of Philip Jackson, the internationally famous sculptor, to hear him speak about his work – and to visit his fabulous garden. The trip was very popular, the waiting list was long and the feedback so positive, that I promised that I would arrange another visit there in the future for those unable to come the first time around.

So it was that on Friday 14th July 2023, twenty-seven EHS members (numbers are now limited as seats in the studio are provided) went to Caster’s Brook for a repeat visit. It was a damp day, but this worked in our favour as Philip spoke to us for over an hour and a half, instead of the forty minutes which groups are normally allocated.

In the studio we sat beside four huge sculptures, as yet unseen by the future owner. Philip described the whole process by which the sculptures are created from the first idea through to the unveiling – which proved particularly tricky on one occasion with a sculpture which included a long, pointed spear that threatened to ruin the smooth unveiling of the piece by a VIP. A solution was found by dividing the ‘veil’ into sections, held together by Velcro.

Another tricky situation was when Philip needed to know the Queen’s exact inside leg measurement (she was seated on a horse for the sculpture). Normally he would take this measurement himself, but this was clearly not viable, so he had to find a solution to this through discussion with one of the Queen’s ladies of the bed chamber and her dresser, who had access to a mannequin made to the Queen’s exact size.

Philip showed us slides of exotic locations where his work is on show and told us lots of fascinating and often amusing details about what went on behind the scenes.

After the talk, we were treated to delicious lemon cake and strawberry sponges made by Philip’s wife Jean, whom he had described as the inspiration for many of his modern sculptures – after which we were free to wander in their huge garden and to stay for as long as we wished. The garden was spectacular, with beautiful flower beds and two huge ponds. Philip’s sculptures were placed very effectively around the water and the garden, creating a spectacular sense of drama. Click here to see photos from Casters Brook

The visit to Woolbeding in the afternoon was optional. Rain was still threatened – but undeterred, more than half of our party made the trip there and greatly enjoyed the experience. Most of us walked through the field to the grotto on the river and strolled along the Silk Route Garden to visit the new Glasshouse and dry beds. We all vowed to come again! Click here to see photos from Woolbeding.

Annette Wood

Comments from those who attended:

Thank you for arranging such a fantastic day yesterday. I was completely enthralled by Philip Jackson’s talk, sculptures and garden! And a trip to Woolbeding was just the icing on the cake in spite of the weather, very enjoyable.
Vicki
_____________________________________

What an inspiration Phillip Jackson was. I had no idea that we were visiting such an influential, well-known artist. It was wonderful! We were obviously in the presence of someone who will go down in history for many years to come. A real treat. It proved to be a day out I will not forget in a hurry.
I enjoyed every minute.
Sue
______________________________________

All in all a lovely day that we would not have done on our own!
Camille and Stephen
______________________________________

Thank you so much for today, we really enjoyed the Philip Jackson talk, tea/cake and garden. I couldn’t believe how long he spent giving us so many facts and wonderful stories. He is such a modest and friendly gentleman. A great day.
Julie
_____________________________________

The visit to Philip Jackson was so informative and just delightful to see his impressive work both in the gallery, on the presentation and in the garden too. The garden was amazing in its location and size as well as providing a perfect ‘backdrop’ for his sculptures. Woolbeding too was most enjoyable.
Diana
_____________________________________

Many thanks for organising such a superb day. We loved everything. The weather was kind to us around the sculpture garden. Woolbeding was great too. We were all impressed with the dry garden and The Silk Road to the new glass house. We are thinking of booking another day when we can.
George & Jasper
_____________________________________

What a splendid day.
Philip Jackson’s talk and garden were amazing – words fail me, and all I’d heard and seen about Woolbeding before I got there, did not do it justice – it’s a beautiful, fascinating place and we will certainly go again.
Anne
_____________________________________

The sculptures were more even wonderful having heard his thoughts about them – and of course the garden was stunning.
Pam
_____________________________________

Thank you for organising such a fabulous day out and to be in Philip Jackson’s company for over an hour was indeed a triple bonus. Such interesting stories, especially the inside leg measurement of the Queen! As an ex engineer the information about the processes from sketches to final sculptures was very interesting and informative.
Brian
_____________________________________