A NEW Sculpture Park exhibition has opened at Thirsk Hall, showcasing the work of artist Michael Lyons.

The site covers over 20 acres of open parkland, woodland and gardens and in addition to the exhibition of Michael Lyon’s work, it will continue to host a number of sculptures by internationally-acclaimed artists including Emily Young, Austin Wright and Richard Hudson.

For the 2021 season, will also be hosting an exhibition of Norman Ackroyd's etchings of Thirsk Hall and surrounding grounds.

Michael Lyons first gained recognition in the 1960s and by the 1970s, he had solidified his reputation as one of the finest steel sculptors of his generation.

In contrast to the tendency for artists to relocate to more popular cities like London, Lyons continued

to live and work in Yorkshire and forged a successful career from his non-metropolitan base.

Growing up in the West Midlands, the post-industrial landscape of the Black Country along with his strong Catholic upbringing and his later interest in mythology and cosmology, has had an undeniable influence on his life’s work.

The exhibition runs at Thirsk Hall until September 25, Thursdays to Saturdays.