Winter Light at Waddesdon: Bruce Munro
North Front, Waddesdon Manor ©National Trust, Waddesdon Manor Photo : Mike Fear
It has become a custom to celebrate Christmas at Waddesdon in a very special way both indoors and outdoors and this year is certainly no exception. Following on from Waddesdon’s interest in the artistic effect of light it is totally appropriate that in the rooms of the East and the Bachelors’ Wings there are enchanting displays of myths, rituals and stories from around the globe. Entitled Lights and Legends, the displays encompass Yuletide, Chinese New Year, Babushka, St Lucy and more.
Billiard Room, Waddesdon Manor ©National Trust, Waddesdon Manor Photo : Mike Fear
Now in the second year of his residency the noted international artist Bruce Munro has again installed special light pieces in the garden but this time also indoors in the White Room. As befits the room’s name the installation is called Snow Code and consists of messages in Morse code which are conveyed in pulses of light falling like snow. It is a very sensual experience as the mirrors of the room also reflect the messages.
©Bruce Munro, Snow Code, Waddesdon Manor 2014 photograph by Mark Pickthall
The trail of light through the gardens is quite special and as you progress along it you will come across light works that immediately capture your attention and interest. Among them is Beacon (2013) a geodesic dome of coloured light, which he created originally for the benefit of the charity ‘Cancerkin’ and it certainly is a perfect “beacon” of hope. Eden Blooms (2013) relates to Munro’s recent works in botanical gardens in the USA and his Field of Light (2004 -2014) which he considers as his “personal symbol for the good things in life” is this year his way of marking the First World War
©Bruce Munro, Eden Blooms, Waddesdon Manor 2014 photograph by Mark Pickthall’
Until: 4th January 2015
©Bruce Munro, Field of Light, Waddesdon Manor 2014 photograph by Mark Pickthall
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‘Star’ to Shine at Salisbury Cathedral
Aerial view of Star of Bethelehem by Bruce Munro at Salisbury Cathedral – photo by Ash Mills
The Star of Bethlehem is projected from above onto the still water of the font below and continues spilling over the sides. Once again using the dots and dashes of Morse code Munro tells the story of the wise men following the star to find the infant Christ and is based on Matthew 2: 1-12 from the New Testament.
Star of Bethelehem by Bruce Munro at Salisbury Cathedral – photo by Ash Mills
It takes 2minutes 20 seconds for it reach to its maximum extent and remains like that for 70minutes with the text scrolling to each point of the star. A very spiritual experience to behold.
Until: 4th February 2015
http://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk
Tim Forrest's E & A 