A Gathering of Uncertainties: New gallery space draws exhibition by leading UK sculptor Laurence Edwards

An exhibition of bronze sculptures by internationally acclaimed British artist, Laurence Edwards will be on display at the Orange Regional Gallery from February 4 to 16 April.

Developed in partnership with UK art centre, Messums Wiltshire, A Gathering of  Uncertainties presents the culmination of 10 years’ work by Edwards and is the first comprehensive survey of his work to be shown in Australia.  

One of the few sculptors who casts his own work, Edwards is fascinated by human anatomy and his large sculptures express the power and versatility of bronze. 

“It's really exciting,” Orange Regional Gallery Director, Brad Hammond said.

“Laurence Edwards is one of the leading sculptors in the UK, and so I'm thrilled that our audiences will have a chance to see his work — in the flesh, so to speak.

“There's nothing like seeing the original work, so if we can bring work like that to our region, it's a big part of what we want to do in future.” 

While the Orange Regional Gallery’s main focus is showing and supporting Australian artists, Brad said the recent extension to the gallery means they can also attract significant exhibitions of work from international artists.

“Since we reopened we've had a really rich range of exhibitions in our program and this is our second exhibition by a major international artist that we've been able to bring to Orange because of our extension to the gallery,” he said, referring to last year’s exhibition ‘I Am Not Me, the Horse is Not Mine’ by renowned South African artist William Kentridge.

“That, in itself, I think is significant. As a regional gallery, we're able to host — amongst supporting local and regional artists — we’re also able to host well-known artists of this calibre…

“It brings a lot of people to Orange to see these exhibitions and also provides great content for our local audiences and supporters.” 

Laurence Edwards is also travelling over for the exhibition opening and will give a presentation at the exhibition opening night, 5.30pm on Friday, February 3. His address will be followed by the official opening, at 6pm, by Messum Wiltshire director, Johnny Messum. 

At 11am on Saturday, February 4, Edwards will join journalist and arts commentator Fiona Gruber at the gallery for a conversation about the exhibition and his process.

This will be followed by a screening of Yoxman – While the Whole World Changes Tune, a documentary following Edwards as he undertakes the creation of a monumental 26-foot figure for the Suffolk landscape. 

Bookings for all events can be made through Orange Regional Gallery’s events calendar at  /www.orange.nsw.gov.au/gallery/whats-on