Edmund de Waal: we live here, forever taking leave
Wed 15 Jun – Sun 23 Oct 2022
11am-4pm
HouseAn exhibition showcasing new and celebrated works in porcelain by internationally acclaimed artist Edmund de Waal.
One of the world’s leading artists, Edmund de Waal makes a welcome return to Waddesdon this summer. Best known for his large-scale installations of porcelain vessels, his pieces are often inspired by the collections or history of a particular place.
This exhibition brings together a curated selection of new and striking pieces, some of which were only completed this year. Powerfully thoughtful, the installations explore the interconnected relations between faith, history, displacement, learning and archives – themes which feel more relevant than ever and which are woven into Waddesdon’s own fabric and existence.
Two pieces – psalm, IV and sukkah – will take centre-stage. Originally shown to much acclaim during the 2019 Venice biennale, after the exhibition they will be presented to the new National Library of Israel when it opens early next year. This major project in Jerusalem is being supported by Yad Hanadiv, the Rothschild philanthropic foundation, so it is particularly appropriate that the pieces are being shown at Waddesdon.
The exhibition will be on display in the Drawings Room, next door to A Rothschild Treasury.
Psalm, IV is a gift of Ealan and Melinda Wingate to the National Library of Israel
More about Edmund de Waal
An internationally acclaimed artist, de Waal’s large-scale installations have been made for diverse spaces worldwide including The British Museum, The Frick Collection and the V&A among others. He is also a renowned and best-selling author.
de Waal has a longstanding relationship with Waddesdon – during 2012 he created a new series of pieces inspired by the collections and interiors of the house, that were displayed throughout the ground floor rooms.
He says “Waddesdon has a particular resonance as a place of reflection on what collections mean and so I am honoured to be able to show new work that I have made over the last year, that particular poems, music and places matter to me. I have called this exhibition we live here, forever taking leave, a particularly resonant line from Rilke. I’m so happy to be in these beautiful rooms high up in Waddesdon.”