Who would have thought a library could house a secret garden? Here at the Turrill Sculpture Garden, tucked behind Summertown Library in Oxford, we discover just that. The Turrill Sculpture Garden isn’t your typical garden. It’s an ever-changing outdoor gallery. Opened in 2000, it transformed a once barren space into a vibrant hub of art and nature. The garden is named in memory of Miss Marjorie Turrill and her sister Betty Venables, passionate gardeners with deep roots in the area. Their nephews, Peter and John Venables of Shepherd and Woodward, generously sponsored the garden’s creation. The Turrill Sculpture Garden is owned by Oxfordshire County Council. They embraced Katherine Shock’s design for a community space showcasing living artists. The garden hosts a rotating series of sculpture exhibitions, featuring works in various mediums like glass, metal, bronze, resin, ceramic, and stone. You can admire the art, purchase a piece, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Even picnics are welcome! Adding to the garden’s charm is a quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, carved in stone by sculptor Martin Jennings. Two permanent sculptures grace the garden: “Counterpoint” by Martin Smith, and “Betty and her Pots” by Christine Burgess. They stand as tributes to individuals who cherished the garden and its artistic spirit. The Turrill Sculpture Garden is more than just a place to see art. It’s a living testament to community spirit, artistic passion, and the transformative power of nature.
Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park
Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park, a sprawling green expanse, holds more than meets the eye. It’s a place where history whispers