Built on a historic quarry site within the 18th-century Bretton Estate, The Weston enhances the visitor experience at the most eastern entrance to the Park, less than one mile away from M1 Junction 38.
The beautiful, light-filled building is designed by architects Feilden Fowles and constructed by Yorkshire-based company William Birch. It has increased essential capacity at the award-winning open-air gallery, which welcomes around 500,000 visitors every year.
The Weston is carefully designed to have minimum impact on the site and, in common with previous YSP developments, to fit sympathetically with the historic landscape. Constructed from layered pigmented concrete, evoking the strata of sandstone bedrock, the building emerges from the ground and is defined by a concrete saw-tooth roof. Its low profile protects it from the motorway and forms a sheltered, sunken terrace with views across the Park towards the Lower Lake and Bretton Hall.
Naturalistic planting, including a wild-flower roof, designed by Jonathan Cook Landscape Architects, is inspired by 19th-century Yorkshireman and plant adventurer, Reginald Farrer. Well insulated and naturally ventilated, the centre also features an air-source heat pump and a pioneering low-energy environmental control system which uses a passive humidity buffer to maintain favourable gallery conditions.
The centre enhances physical, intellectual and sensory access to the landscape, ecology and heritage of the historic estate, as well as to sculpture presented elsewhere in the Park. The new gallery showcases a changing programme of temporary exhibitions.
The restaurant, with open kitchen and Scandinavian-inspired interior, including a wood-burning stove, offers table service and a fresh, seasonal, and sustainably produced menu. The shop extends YSP’s successful retail operation, providing opportunities for both artists and designers. New product ranges have been especially developed, in collaboration with craftsmen and women across the UK, taking inspiration from nature and the landscape. Visitors can also purchase produce such as bakes, honey and chutneys made at the Park.
The Weston is an important addition to the Park’s physical infrastructure, which began with the opening of Longside Gallery in 2001; YSP Centre in 2002; the Underground Gallery in 2005; the transformation of the estate Kennel Block into a learning centre and café in 2011; the restoration of the Chapel in 2014; and the refurbishment of the Bothy Gallery in 2016. Named White Rose Large Attraction of the Year in 2016 and Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2014, YSP contributes around £11million each year to the local economy.
The project is supported by Arts Council England, Wakefield Council, The Garfield Weston Foundation, Dunard Fund, The Foyle Foundation, The Sackler Trust, The Wolfson Foundation, B&M Retail Plc, The Arnold Burton Charitable Trust, The John S Cohen Foundation, Mtec, The Holbeck Charitable Trust, Jane and Alan Foale, and other funders who wish to remain anonymous. Visitors to the Park have also contributed over £50,000 in donations to the project.