Nicola Turner's Time's Scythe transforms YSP Chapel with wool and horsehair until September 2026
From March 28 to September 27, 2026, British artist Nicola Turner will showcase her installation, Time's Scythe, at the Chapel of Yorkshire Sculpture Park. In collaboration with Annely Juda Fine Art, the piece incorporates raw wool and horsehair encased in mesh, sourced from local mattresses and upholstery. Turner describes these elements as 'dead matter' imbued with potential energy. Visitors will first encounter the installation outside, which transitions from the bell tower into the nave, where they will navigate bulbous shapes. Traditional sheep shears reach toward the altar, connecting to the region's sheep-shearing traditions and industrial history. The title, inspired by Shakespeare's Sonnet 12, delves into themes of aging and decay, with the Chapel's dedication to Saint Bartholomew adding depth to the work. Mark Reeves captured the installation in photographs.
Key facts
- Time's Scythe runs from March 28th to September 27th, 2026
- Installation uses raw wool and horsehair encased in mesh
- Materials include locally sourced wool and reclaimed horsehair from old upholstery
- Work begins outside chapel, spilling from bell tower through window into nave
- Traditional sheep shears extend from tendrils toward altar
- Title references Shakespeare's Sonnet 12 about time and mortality
- Chapel dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, patron saint of skin professions
- Artist's theoretical influences include Judith Butler, Julia Kristeva, Jane Bennett, and Donna Haraway
Entities
Artists
- Nicola Turner
- Andy Goldsworthy
- Judith Butler
- Julia Kristeva
- Jane Bennett
- Donna Haraway
- Mark Reeves
Institutions
- Yorkshire Sculpture Park
- Annely Juda Fine Art
- Shadow Stone Fold
Locations
- West Bretton
- Wakefield
- United Kingdom
- Sheffield
- West Yorkshire