THE HUDSONS, Family Ties

Claridge’s ArtSpace is proud to announce THE HUDSONS, Family Ties, a multidisciplinary, intergenerational exhibition of work by Richard, Richard WM and Henry Hudson. Curated by Mollie Dent-Brocklehurst, the exhibition brings together these three British artists – father and sons – to be shown together for the very first time.

In all their work, they are united in their deep understanding and fascination of nature and natural forms. Their artistic practices all began to evolve at a similar time, though in remarkably different directions, incorporating a variety of mediums and processes. Yet, crucially, all connect strongly with the intricate and complex materiality of their mediums, involving physical processes that work earthen materials with clay, plasticine, scagliola and wood.

From the elder Richard’s large-scale stainless-steel sculptures to Henry’s tactile mixed media works, and Richard WM’s distinctive pieces made from natural foraged materials, the works are studied, thoughtful reflections borne fundamentally from the artists’ formative time living on a farm. With the elder Richard a farmer prior to his shift into design and art, alongside more formal art education at school the boys would spend long periods of time with him, examining the intricacies of the nature by which they were constantly surrounded.

Throughout the exhibition, the work of these three artists presents an ongoing, fluctuating meditation on nature – in all its forms, in both its strength and vulnerability, as well as our own relationship with it. Nature is painted as a physical space for solace and sanctuary but also as a mirror through which to consider the various perspectives of our ‘human’ fields – of not only art, but also anthropology, psychology and philosophy.

“It has been refreshing to work with this innovative space to show the works of three unique exceptional British artists – father and sons – together for the very first time, and in such an iconic location. While their practices differ materially, Richard, Henry and Richard (Hudson) are unified in exploring nature as both a physical and psychological space, resulting in works that are complex, thoughtful and inspiring.” Mollie Dent-Brocklehurst, Superblue CEO and Exhibition Curator

Coinciding with THE HUDSONS, Family Ties in Claridge's ArtSpace will be an installation of works throughout the iconic Claridge's hotel lobby from British contemporary sculptor Richard Hudson. These include a large-scale Tear work of polished mirrored steel weighing 240kg and measuring two metres in height. Visitors to the hotel will also see new editions alongside the lobby columns of Held and Twice.