PRESS RELEASE | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | 5 JUNE 2025
Sculpture, ceramics and letter carving to be showcased in the stunning gardens of Houghton Lodge, Hampshire, this summer
Set against the tranquil backdrop of the River Test at Houghton Lodge, visitors are invited to explore the concept of flow in both nature and creativity. The flow of the landscape, grounds, garden, river and house makes this the ideal venue for the Fluvii exhibition. Here, the house opens gracefully into the surrounding landscape, and as the river winds through the gardens, it becomes a living metaphor: a gentle yet persistent force, shaping the land over time with quiet determination. In parallel, the immersive, meditative state artists often enter when creating — a space where time slips away and intuition guides the process. It’s a state that viewers, too, can experience when engaging with art in a serene, contemplative setting, far from the noise and distractions of everyday life.
The works in the exhibition reflect these dual meanings of the concept of flow. Some respond directly to the natural environment, echoing water’s movement, rhythm, and quiet power. Others embody the internal flow of the creative mind: focused, fluid, and ever-changing. Flow is both a journey and a state of being — a meeting of sculpture,serenity, and the seamless connection between house, garden and river.
Fluvii showcases 16 artists working across a variety of media, including stone, clay and metal. Over 50 original works of art, available for purchase at prices ranging from £100 to £18,000, will be exhibited from 20 June to 30 September 2025. Visitors are invited to journey through the gardens and conservatory, where each piece is thoughtfully placed in dialogue with the breathtaking landscape of Houghton Lodge Gardens.
The exhibition is part of a summer program of events at Houghton Lodge, a Grade II* listed ‘Cottage Orné’ surrounded by mature trees and lawns sweeping down to the banks of the famous River Test. Arguably one of the most beautiful privately owned gardens to visit in Hampshire, the Lodge combines historic architecture with stunning natural beauty. Enjoy both formal and informal gardens, including the traditional kitchen garden enclosed by chalk cob walls with apple orchard, herb garden, cutting beds and orchid house. The world record espaliered pear grows against the west-facing wall. In early summer, the fragrant peonies line the stunning rose arbour path leading to hidden corners of the garden. The 350-foot (106-metre)-long herbaceous border has year-long beauty, bursting with bulbs in the spring, a tapestry of colour in the summer, and dahlias to brighten your heart in the autumn.
The Oriental Garden opened in 2023 with a rose garden, a cherry orchard, and an acer walk. Enjoy over 15 acres (6 hectares) of meadows and walks along the picturesque River Test and meet resident alpacas, the small flock of Hebridean sheep, and not forgetting the ‘snorting’ topiary dragon. Freshly prepared light lunches, cream teas and homemade cakes are served with teas and coffees in The Glass House tearoom. For more information, visit
https://houghtonlodge.co.uk/
“…yellowhammers, robins, woodpeckers, blackbirds, nuthatches, chaffinches, all call Houghton their home.””