The Cosmic Egg by Andrew Logan on display at National Trust’s Buckland Abbey

From the 19 February to 23 September 2018 visitors to Buckland Abbey in Devon will find something unexpected in the Great Barn this year. Sitting in the middle of the floor will be an enormous, glittering egg, created by sculptor and artist, Andrew Logan.

The monumental sculpture, which will be on display in the historic barn until September, is four meters high and was commissioned by the Greater London Council for Peace Year in 1983.

Usually on display at the Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture in Wales the Cosmic Egg this is a rare chance for locals to Buckland Abbey to see this beautiful piece. The egg reflects themes of spring rebirth and of course Easter. As a focus for reflection it also seems right to host the Cosmic Egg in a place chosen over 700 years ago by Cistercian monks as perfect for prayer and contemplation.

The promise and celebration of the birth of life, peace and harmony comprised in the egg form meant the Cosmic Egg was a perfect symbol for Peace Year in 1983. It offered a form that could encompass the spiritual and mental world: the guiding forces in human nature, the excitement of space. The egg is the universal symbol of the life principle and the mirrored shell of this egg represents cosmic time and space swirling to reflect the world today.

James Breslin, Buckland Abbey’s House & Visitor Experience Manager says “We are thrilled to continue working with an artist of Andrew Logan’s calibreand to bring his work to Buckland. Hosting his iconic Cosmic Egg is a perfect final flourish of the Art of Reflection exhibition.We hope our visitors will be surprised, inspired, and perhaps even challenged, by discovering the Cosmic Egg sculpture in the tranquil and unique setting of Buckland.”

Andrew Logan has said that ‘Everything starts with an egg, you start the day with an egg, you can go to work on an egg, we are even born from an egg, except this egg is a cosmic egg.’

‘It is very difficult to conceive the universe. You can’t see it, yet it is all around you; so vast you can only begin to come to terms with it through mathematics, or art.’

“It is a joy working with Buckland Abbey and drawing inspiration from its great beauty, peace and tranquility, resting in the Devon hills and so full of history’.

National Trust Contemporary Art Programme Manager Grace Davies said: “For over five years visitors have been coming to experience Trust New Art, our rich and diverse program of contemporary arts at properties across the country inspired by National Trust places. Continuing the spirit of Trust New Art, this vibrant exhibition by Andrew Logan shines a new light on Buckland Abbey, giving visitors the opportunity to experience contemporary creativity that is rooted in our unique heritage.”

The Cosmic Egg – Andrew Logan at Buckland Abbey opens at Buckland Abbey on 19 February and will run until 23 September 2018. 

For opening times and further information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland or call 01822 853607.