Simon Gudgeon at the clockspire
Simon Gudgeon at The Clockspire
At The Clockspire, we believe that exceptional dining is about more than just food—it’s about the entire experience, the way a space makes you feel, and the stories that unfold around the table. In that spirit, we are honoured to showcase the remarkable sculptures of Simon Gudgeon, one of Britain’s leading contemporary sculptors, whose work captures movement, emotion, and the profound beauty of the natural world.
Exceptional artistry
Parallel Passé, one of Simon Gudgeon’s most celebrated ballerina sculptures, has recently been installed in its new home at heart of the restaurant, marking the beginning of a unique collaboration which brings fine art and fine dining together in harmony.
Our guests will dine among and below some of Simon’s finest works, with two more installations planned for later this year.
David Hill, general manager at The Clockspire, said: “Celebrating local artists is a way to honour the incredible talent within our community. We believe in supporting artists who elevate our cultural experience, and Simon’s work does just that. Our partnership allows us to foster a deeper connection to the creative spirit of our region.
“Displaying Simon’s work in the restaurant is a true privilege. His work embodies elegance, movement, and a profound connection to nature, enriching our guest experience.”
Simon Gudgeon has attained worldwide recognition, and The Clockspire joins an impressive line-up of high-profile locations displaying his work, including Hyde Park and Kew Gardens.
As Simon says: “I am delighted to partner with The Clockspire to bring a truly exceptional experience to the Dorset Somerset border.
“Parallel Passé was inspired by Prima Ballerina Ksenia Ovsyanick and the sculpture is based on Voronoi patterns. This material creates magical viewing experience and illusion where the sculpture seems to physically embody its surrounding, making a restaurant a unique and dynamic environment for this sculpture.
“It is very fulfilling to be working with the team at The Clockspire to create a special experience with art at the heart of the restaurant and its menu.”
Simon is also co-founder of Sculpture by the Lakes near Dorchester which is internationally acclaimed as one of only nine accredited botanic gardens in the UK. The park offers visitors a tranquil, retreat-like experience across its entire site through its carefully curated collection of exclusive artworks, landscaped gardens, and high-quality facilities.
For more information about Sculpture by the Lakes, visit https://www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk/.
Fine food and fine art share a common purpose—to elevate the everyday, to bring people together, and to leave a lasting impression. We are privileged to showcase Simon Gudgeon’s work and hope that these pieces will inspire, spark conversation, and encourage visitors to explore more of Simon’s work at Sculpture by the Lakes.
Our other artworks
Guests might also recognise two of Viennese sculptor Franz Xaver Messerschmidt’s infamous bronze busts on the walls of our Central Wing.
‘Beaked Head’ and ‘A Hypochondriac’ form part of his Character Heads body of work, 69 self-commissioned bronze sculptures.
