17 September — 23 October 2022

YSP Centre

Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) presents a new exhibition by designer and illustrator Samantha Bryan.

Working from her garden studio in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, Bryan has produced a new body of work for her exhibition at YSP this October. Known for creating distinctive figures, the artist has gained a worldwide cult following.

For two decades Bryan has been making humorous yet industrious fairy-like creatures; adorned with items from her eclectic hoard of buttons, spotted feathers, seed pods, dyed leathers, and contraptions influenced by Victorian flying machines. She combines these materials and found objects to inform their intriguing personalities.

In 2002, shortly after graduating, Bryan exhibited her collectable fairies at YSP and appeared on the front cover of Crafts Magazine. Twenty years on, we are delighted to display a new collection in the main Visitor Centre this autumn. Bryan has utilised her most treasured found items – collected over many years – for this special celebratory exhibition.

Bryan says “it’s wonderful to arrive at the two-decade mark as a maker, and a celebratory exhibition at Yorkshire Sculpture Park makes it all the more special. Not only is it one of my favourite places, but it was also one of the first places that I showcased my work back in 2002. To be invited to return 20 years on feels like the perfect marker.”

The celebratory collection of delightful, fun and charming characters will be available to purchase at YSP. A book launch and signing to celebrate Bryan’s first publication, 20 Years A Maker, will take place at YSP on Saturday 1 October (book via ysp.org.uk). The commemorative publication features a selection of the artist’s favourite sculptures with early work, sketches, and studio photography visually narrating Bryan’s journey as a maker so far.

Press enquiries

Elise Hammond, Sutton: +44 (0)20 7183 3577 / elise@suttoncomms.com

Gemma Donovan, Communications Officer, YSP / +44 (0)1924 832 515 / comms@ysp.org.uk

Listings information

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LG

Near Wakefield and Barnsley – M1 Junction 38

+44 (0)1924 832631 | ysp.org.uk | @YSPsculpture

Open seven days a week, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Booking essential, via ysp.org.uk