Es Devlin Brings Luminous New Artwork to Castle Howard for Vanbrugh Tricentenary
Renowned artist and designer Es Devlin is set to transform the historic grounds of Castle Howard near York with a major new public installation. Opening this summer, the project forms part of a year-long programme honouring Sir John Vanbrugh, the visionary architect behind the iconic Yorkshire estate, marking three hundred years since his death.
Experiencing Library of the Four Winds
Running from 13 June to 27 September, Devlin’s luminous installation Library of the Four Winds takes over the estate's Temple of the Four Winds. Drawing inspiration from the building's historical use as a tranquil space for reading and refreshment, the central sculpture is constructed from hundreds of books sourced from the personal libraries of both Vanbrugh and the artist.
Visitors are invited to step inside the structure for communal reading, while four concentric tables surround the temple to offer spaces for quiet reflection, conversation, drawing, and listening. Beyond the building itself, a dedicated book trail guides visitors out into Ray Woods, where further book-themed sculptures are nestled among the trees. The project also coincides with the National Year of Reading, with a schedule of seasonal events planned throughout the summer months.
Discovering Vanbrugh’s Legacy Through Art and Exhibition
The wider tercentenary commemorations bring multiple new experiences to the historic house. Alongside Devlin's installation, visitors can explore Staging the Baroque: Vanbrugh at Castle Howard, an exhibition curated by architect Roz Barr. Located within the stately home, the exhibition delves into the fateful partnership between Vanbrugh and Charles Howard, the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, highlighting the theatrical scale and bold architectural vision that shaped the estate.
Families and younger visitors can also engage with Playshapes: Castle Constructors starting from 23 May. Created by Yorkshire-based artist Pippa Hale, this interactive play experience features architectural building blocks supplied by Timberplay, allowing children to experiment with design and construct their own structures inspired by the estate's Baroque architecture. Further details and planning resources can be found directly on the Castle Howard website.
To discover more cultural landmarks and upcoming exhibitions across the region, you can explore the curated guides on Musemap (musemap.art), search for specific museums and galleries, or browse the full list of cultural spots.
