Opening in time for the Easter holidays, Time’s Scythe is a brand-new installation by British artist Nicola Turner that breathes new life into the 18th-century Chapel. 

The installation was created inside the chapel using recycled wool and horsehair, which is hand-stitched inside mesh to create the work’s bulbous tendrils. Beginning outdoors, the work spills from the Chapel bell tower and enters through an upper window, before cascading over the balcony to fill the gallery space. The natural earthy smell of the wool creates a tactile, sensory experience as you walk around the flowing tentacles.

This is Turner’s first large-scale installation to use pale wool and creates a different energy to her dark sculptures, moving away from their more melancholic character. 

Turner’s work often incorporates found historical objects. Time’s Scythe will use traditional sheep shears at the end of each tendril, reaching towards the altar like claws. They create a connection to the sheep at YSP, which have their fleeces shorn during spring in the nearby Shadow Stone Fold by Andy Goldsworthy, and links to local traditions of manufacturing and industry.

Read the press release to find out more.

Time’s Scythe is presented in collaboration with Annely Juda Fine Art. With thanks to Southern & Partners: Artist Management

Exhibition Accessibility

The exhibition is located in The Chapel, which is a converted 18th-century building. It is an approximately 10-minute walk from the main Visitor Centre through the country park, down a steep sloping hill. Off-road mobility scooters are available to hire from YSP Centre free of charge, please email info@ysp.org.uk to reserve one for your visit.

Access to the Chapel is via steps or a grassed ramp at the main entrance. The ground floor has flat access throughout, with stone flagstones and a metal grate running the length of the gallery. The upper balcony is accessed by a steep, sharply turning staircase which may not be suitable to visitors with mobility issues.

There is bench seating available on the ground floor. There are no public toilet facilities at the Chapel.

The installation is made from natural wool and horsehair, which creates a strong smell inside the gallery. This may not be suitable for those with allergies or who are sensitive to strong scents. Hand sanitiser is available in the gallery if required.

The following resources are available to borrow in the gallery:

• Ear defenders for all ages
• Handling materials
• Fidget toys
• Coloured overlays 
• Magnifiers
• Sand timers

An introduction to the exhibition is printed on the wall. This text is also available in the following formats;
•    Large print
•    Braille
•    Audio (you can listen to this via a QR code on your own device, or you can ask a member of staff to listen on the iPad in the gallery)

Gallery Activities

In the Chapel, pick up the activity sheet, designed to help curious minds of all ages connect to the exhibition, or download it to help you prepare for your visit.

Grab a sensory bag, filled with objects to help you get closer to the artworks in the exhibition, and spend some time enjoying books exploring the themes of the exhibition.

Nicola Turner Products

Browse the Nicola Turner at YSP Shop.