Stradling the A286 Chichester to Midhurst road as well as the South Downs Way, Cocking in West Sussex may be small but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in interest. It’s been two years since I last visited the Philip Jackson studio and exhibition here but it remains one of my favourite places in Sussex.
Philip Jackson
Sculptor Philip Jackson’s well-known works include Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother Memorial, St Richard outside Chichester Cathedral, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Parliament Square, Bobby Moore at Wembley Stadium, Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park, Jersey Liberation Sculpture in Liberation Square, St Helier, Jersey … and a wealth of other loved landmarks.
And as fortune would have it, Jackson’s workshop, gallery and garden are in Cocking and each summer, he opens his stunning gardens (by appointment) with a large number of his pieces on display.
A unique theatre of arts
The garden is surely one of the most beautiful, mesmerising and unusual places in Sussex. It creates an intimate setting as you descend down floral fringed steps, with views across the fields and the South Downs in front of you, and it feels like being caught somewhere between Monet’s gardens, Alice in Wonderland and a Venetian masked ball. It’s sensual, striking and utterly delicious.
The positioning of each work enhances its surroundings and yet draws upon them too. As you walk around, you feel like you’re part of a surreal celestial play in which you have no part but to observe. It’s hushed, and you don’t want to disturb these silent players.
With emphasis on form, these works speak of texture, detail, emotion, drama, reflection and simplicity. There is so much emotion in the hands and every line, curve and surface is compelling. As you walk around the lakes and through the trees, you come across unsuspecting players in this theatre. They are both tactile and feel alive, and you apologise quietly for interrupting their day and their private moment. It feels personal.
Sussex sculpture at its very best
A wander around the gardens is a profound experience. It’s thought-provoking, fun, uplifting with just the right dose of surreal. Of all the gardens and all the sculptures I’ve seen, this remains one of the most unusual and the most compelling, and if you get a chance to visit, grab it with both hands.
The Garden is open to the public until 30 August and visitors can also visit the Studio Gallery and a display of his smaller maquettes. Viewings by appointment only. If you enjoy Sussex sculpture, you may also like:
