​"How can art be realized?
Out of volumes, motion, spaces bounded by the great space, the universe.”

Alexander Calder (1898-1975) was one of the greatest twentieth century American artists. Best known for his kinetic sculptures, he also made jewellery, household objects, paintings, toys, and static monumental sculpture. This exhibition has examples of each across the wide range of Calder’s working life. What is difficult to convey in a blog post is the wonderful presence of his work.

​The mobile works, some of which are incredibly delicate, don’t need to move much to describe space by presence and absence. Tiny trembles and long slow arcs flow in and out of shadow and  colour, mesmerizing with the suggestion of things not quite seen. 

​Charming small domestic objects: a chess set, a platter shaped like a fish, two tin can lamps with shaped reflectors, a copper tray with an almost hidden erotic engraving, a tiny glass wrapped with wire and glass pendants.

​There is jewellery – raw, beaten, and coiled silver and brass – tiaras and necklaces echoing ancient queenly regalia.

​Paintings too – visceral colours and petroglyphic symbols: rocks, snakes and spirals, echoes of the ancient world.

​Outside the massive forms squat on the Somerset landscape, coal black and vivid red, the mind racing through a catalogue of things they suggest: trees, a giant crow, horses…and finally gives up and enjoys the thing in itself, not representing anything.

Hauser and Wirth are to be congratulated for bringing together such a wonderfully diverse range of Calder’s works and displaying them in such a though-provoking and sensitive way.

Glastonbury is a lively tourist town, attracting  pilgrims and​ holidaymakers most of the year round. But it really comes into its own from Beltane onwards. ​This ancient Irish festival has become an important part of the Wheel of the Year in the Pagan Revival. Residents and visitors celebrate May Day or Beltane in various ways, and the festivities are so vivid that even the Guardian reported them at length!
​Another more recent Glastonbury event is the Dragons parade (pictured above). We also have a Dragons Conference!
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​From Beltane onwards, Glastonbury enters the summer season. This weekend, for example, we have the International Alchemy Guild's Conference, an interesting first for Glastonbury. ​For those whose spiritual interests run more to the mysteries of interconnection and the green world of nature than to the alchemist's lab, there are various events which are hosted by or of interest to Druids.

​Of course, there are plenty of ways for pilgrims to enjoy and experience the sacred landscape of Glastonbury without attending any organised meetings or groups. Why not come for the Summer Solstice and witness Sunrise or Sunset from on top of the Tor?

​In all, there are so many events in town this summer that even the keenest spiritual seeker could not possibly attend them all. But one major fixture in Glastonbury's year that deserves mention is the Goddess Conference, which runs from the 28th of July to the 6th of August this year and is sure to bring visitors and seekers from all over the world.

​Kylemore House will be open for the entire summer season. So whether you are visiting Glastonbury for festive celebration, spiritual education, or for retreat and contemplation, we look forward to welcoming you and affording you a pleasant stay!