In the summer of 1993 James Turrell stayed for a few weeks at YSP while he worked on a project for the Henry Moore Sculpture Trust at Dean Clough, Halifax. Fascinated by the history of the Bretton Estate, he made a proposal to develop the 19th century deer shelter into a Skyspace.
It has taken 13 years for the dream of constructing a James Turrell Skyspace to become a reality, thanks to The Art Fund.
The Deer Shelter Skyspace at Yorkshire Sculpture Park has been adapted from an early 19th century deer shelter within the Bretton Estate, famous for its glasshouses and follies. Few of these structures remain, which makes the Deer Shelter Skyspace an important reminder of the estate’s many-layered history.
These shelters, or folds, were used by stock for shelter in poor weather, and some were lavish, folly-like buildings. The Bretton Estate shelter is a relatively simple triple-arched structure, constructed in what was probably a small, disused quarry where stone was cut for use on the estate. As well as making a contemporary art work, the Turrell Skyspace has facilitated the restoration and conservation of this historic structure.
Text adapted from Clare Lilley, Curator, YSP James Turrell Deer Shelter: An Art Fund Commission Free Guide ISBN 1 871480 53 1 © Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Photography by Florian Holzherr
Photography by Florian Holzherr
