Acclaimed sculptor Simon Gudgeon is one of Britain’s leading contemporary sculptors, internationally recognised for work that distils the natural world into elegant, pared-back forms. Born in Yorkshire in 1958 and raised on the family farm, he studied law and qualified as a solicitor, retiring on the day he qualified. After following many paths driven by curiosity, he discovered sculpture almost by chance at the age of forty.

His design aesthetic extends into Studio Gudgeon: bird feeder stands, hanging seats, warming fire bowls and barbecues, and some of the most exquisite gates, worked with designs of symmetrical maple leaves, precious lotus flowers and intricate seashells.

Search for Enlightenment has become one of his defining works. First unveiled in London, it was presented to His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh during the celebrations marking his ninetieth birthday, has since been shown at Millbank and One Hyde Park, and now stands permanently in White City, Baku.

In 2011 he realised a long held ambition and opened Sculpture by the Lakes, twenty six acres of landscaped lakes and gardens at Pallington near Dorchester, now one of only eleven accredited botanic gardens in the United Kingdom. It is a permanent home for the monumental work and his creative base.