David Harber x Great Fosters

Introducing David Harber

David Harber has been making contemporary and classical artworks from his Oxfordshire studio for over two decades and has gained an impressive following worldwide. He designs and makes original and covetable sculptures, sundials and water features that enchant and endure, whilst responding to customers’ individual needs and environments. Synonymous with elegance and simplicity, his designs playfully incorporate nature, reflection, light and water to create dramatic focal points in both exterior and interior settings.

Having worked as an apprentice thatcher, a potter and a mountaineer, his first endeavour was an armillary sphere, inspired by the ancient mathematical and scientific principals used in its creation. Perhaps it was written in the stars, for one of his ancestors, John Belgrave, was an Elizabethan mathematician and scientific instrument maker who spent most of his life just 20 miles from where the Oxfordshire workshop is located.

Following his first sale to Jeremy Irons, David’s career as a sculptor developed and his repertoire quickly expanded from sundials to sculptural designs. Free from the restrictions of latitude and longitude, he began experimenting with iconic water features and a variety of elegant and innovative sculptures.

The Great Fosters Exhibtion

We are delighted that David has chosen the glorious gardens at Great Fosters for his latest exhibition of exquisite sculptures. Below, David talks us through a suggested route to enjoy the pieces ‘as the artist intended’ – or of course, you can simply wander in the gardens and happen upon the pieces at leisure. At each piece, you will note the signage with a unique QR code – simply open your Smart Phone camera and focus on the QR code to be whisked off to specific information about the sculpture before, to digitally augment the experience.

The sculptures are available to buy, with details below. To visit Great Fosters and tour the gardens, simply book a table for lunch, tea, supper or a picnic and you can enjoy the exhibition at your leisure. Booking details below.

Suggested route, picking out a few of the series of sculptures in the grounds. 

The route that I have chosen gives the viewer an opportunity to journey through the distinct and spectacular different elements of the garden and enjoy the individual sculptures, their character and their narrative with their garden location.

Geminus on the main approach to the hotel

Geminus standing sentinel like on the main entrance lawn creates a warm welcoming focal point with the drama and theatre of the incredible Great Fosters façade. The muted Verdigris bronze is in harmony with the garden and the surroundings, the beautiful warm golden glow within the sculpture epitomises hospitality and sanctuary.

The Quad in the Estate Grill courtyard

The Quad siting in this magnificent courtyard reflecting its environment but also referencing the upwardly reaching architecture of Great Fosters; the incredible mastery of the tradesmen who made the chimneys that are works of art in their own right, the Quad reminds us that everything has to be in balance and in harmony. The skyward reaching stainless steel and blue cubes precariously poised on each other in a gravity defying elegance.

Quivers in the rose garden

Nothing is more beautiful than nature the 4 clusters of Quivers in their almost purpose made alcoves in the rose garden sway and flash reflected sky and foliage with the occasional moment of the poppy red.

Torus in the amphitheatre

I created this sculpture for various sites around the world both corporate and private, this location however is possibly the most exciting; the drama of the avenue creating the Torus as a focal point and the gravitas of the amphitheatre behind create a sense of history and grandeur. Anyone prepared to make the trip up to the Torus will find the juxtaposition of the material on the reverse face is both intriguing and tactile.

Prices range from £5,994 to £40,188 for the individual sculptures on show. For more details, visit davidharber.co.uk

To book in for lunch, tea, supper or a picnic, click here.