We are delighted that the Holburne has received funding from the Henry Moore Foundation, Tia Collection and London Gallery Weekend to stage an exhibition of new and recent works by sculptor Francis Upritchard in autumn 2027.
Our Exhibitions Manager, Nina, attended last year’s London Gallery Weekend thanks to support from London Gallery Weekend and the Art Fund Visiting Curator Bursary Scheme, gaining an unparalleled overview of the capital’s gallery sector.
These three days led to valuable conversations and when the opportunity was presented to commission one of the exhibiting artists, we were excited to approach Francis Uprichard, having been impressed by her installation at Kate MacGarry gallery.
Drawing from figurative sculpture, craft traditions and design, blended with references from literature and history, New Zealand born and London-based artist Francis Upritchard pushes these practices into new directions, bringing them together to create a striking and original visual language of her own.
In the Holburne’s historic 19-metre long ballroom, a gallery displaying decorative arts and paintings, Francis will present a series of eclectic freestanding works, providing a tension between the polished, formal surroundings and her organic, and at times, imperfect forms.
Nina Harrison Leins, Exhibitions Manager commented: “It is so exciting for the Holburne to be the recipient of the inaugural Exhibition Fund and to realise an exhibition by an artist I saw during London Gallery Weekend. We’re all looking forward to working with Francis Upritchard and Kate MacGarry Gallery to develop these exciting plans.”
Francis Upritchard’s exhibition will open in September 2027.
Image: Francis Upritchard, 'Rorrim' (detail), 2024, balata rubber, shibuichi, mirror, 90 x 52 x 55 cm. Photo courtesy of the artist and Kate MacGarry, London.