FORM 2022 has opened at Sculpture by the Lakes with more than 200 works by 30 sculptors now showing until the end of May.

This event is by far the sculpture park's biggest exhibition of the year, creating a sculpture hub in the heart of the countryside, just east of Dorchester.

More than 200 sculptures from exceptional artists can now be seen throughout the park, courtyard and gallery, with FORM open until May 29, Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

Striking monumental and large sculptures have been installed throughout the glorious 26 acres of lakes, rivers, gardens and woodlands, with Gallery by the Lakes showing smaller and indoor works.

Following the success of last year's inaugural event, FORM 2022 had big shoes to fill, but this year's exhibition is already exceeding expectations with hundreds visiting in the first few days.

Simon Gudgeon, globally renowned sculptor and founder of Sculpture by the Lakes, said: "People seem to love what we've created here I'm happy to say. We've had plenty of regular and return visitors, and many coming through our gates for the first time, as well as a few collectors and buyers travelling several hours to be here.

"This is a special event at a very special place. My team and I have worked for a year to bring on board some of the finest contemporary artists and curate a collection in works of exceptional quality. Here visitors and buyers can see them at scale with their surroundings, in a beautiful environment which enhances that experience.

"Visitors tell us it is uplifting, energising, and enriching – which is exactly what great art should be."

Amongst the most exciting works at FORM 2022 are nine pieces by the late Heather Jansch - the first exhibition of her work since she died last year. she was best known for her life-sized sculptures of horses in driftwood and bronze, some of which are being shown in the park, along with small pieces in the gallery.

Already proving popular is the magnificent 2.5m Barn Owl III by talented young British sculptor Carl Longworth, sited alongside the River Frome next to the Silver Birch wood, and likewise, Greer, Guardian Angel a winged figure awaiting visitors, hovering over the water feature at the top of the drive. This striking piece is the work of Ed Elliott, an award-winning sculptor who, like Longworth, is showing at Sculpture by the Lakes for the first time.

There are also new pieces by Adam Binder, Nick Bibby, Fred Gordon, Carol Peace, Nadine Collinson, Nicola Godden and Lucianne Lassalle among others. The vast majority of artworks are available to purchase at a range of price points.

Also, shown for the first time at FORM 2022, is Simon Gudgeon's newest piece Parallel Passé. Like his earlier work Athena, this ballerina sculpture has been created with Voronoi patterns, in a pose inspired by Prima Ballerina Ksenia Ovsyanick, the principal ballerina with the Staatsballett, Berlin, who came to model for Simon at his Dorset studio.

Simon added: "I am also working on a new kinetic sculpture, Sail. It's an experimental piece which, if I can get enough time in my studio, could be shown for the first time in the final stages of FORM 2022."

Over the final five days of the exhibition, FORM 2022 will coincide with two other events at Sculpture by the Lakes - the Dorset Garden Festival incorporating the Fire and Food Festival, both taking place from May 25 to 29.

The former is a celebration of outdoor living with a wide range of exhibitors showcasing everything from plants, to garden art, to coppicing, while Fire and Food, brand new for 2022, has a line-up of chefs demonstrating open fire cooking in the new outdoor kitchen alongside the river.

Tickets throughout all these events are just £12.50 –the standard price of entry to Sculpture by the Lakes. Daily entry is capped so booking is essential. For more information and to book, visit sculpturebythelakes.co.uk

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