nick-rugg

Cookham Art Festival

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:25:12 GMT

Meet Daisy!!

'Daisy' is going to be at the
Cookham Art Festival -
2nd May - 17th May 2026

Step inside the barn and discover where creativity comes to life.

This newly released video offers a glimpse behind the scenes - showcasing both completed sculptures and works still evolving in the studio. From raw materials to refined forms, it’s a rare look at the process, passion, and craftsmanship that define every piece created in this much-loved space.

There’s even more to look forward to.

At the end of May, the barn doors will open for a special Open Studio Weekend, an invitation to explore the sculptures up close, meet the artist, and experience the atmosphere that inspires each creation. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a collector, or simply curious, it’s the perfect chance to connect with the work in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Before then, a selection of five sculptures, including the evocative “Daisy’s View”, will be on display at the Cookham Arts Festival Sculpture Garden from 1st May to 17th May. Set against a beautiful outdoor backdrop, this exhibition offers another opportunity to see the work in a unique and inspiring environment.

If you’ve ever wanted to step inside the studio and experience the journey from concept to creation, now is your moment.

Visit us at:
Unit 1, Manor Farm, Holt. BA14 6PL

WE'D LOVE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Talos Gallery Summer Exhibition 2025

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 06:50:04 GMT

Unveiling Nick Rugg’s Sculptural Masterpieces at Talos Gallery’s Summer Exhibition 2025

The serene and verdant setting of Talos Art Gallery & Sculpture Garden in Wiltshire is hosting its Summer Exhibition from June 1 to July 27, 2025 . Among over 100 works by local and visiting artists, Nick Rugg's sculptures offer a striking fusion of material mastery, form, and emotional resonance.

At a Glance

Materials & Technique
With more than 40 years experience, Rugg sculpts in marble, stone, slate, and granite. His work navigates traditional carving and contemporary abstraction, transforming rugged raw materials into refined, emotive forms
Featured Works
Oswald – Crafted in York and Bath stone, standing at an impressive 1.92 m. Rugg's installation noted its graceful elegance set among the greenery .
Percival – A tall, slender piece in White Carrara marble (1.81 m), its contrasting textures invite viewers to appreciate both solidity and grace
Fernando – Towering at 2.72 m in White Carrara marble, this sculpture mesmerizes with rhythmical curves and height
Feather – A delicate yet strong abstract form in stone. Staff reports note its fragility and subtle organic inspiration during installation

Why viewers are drawn

Dialogue with Nature
Positioned throughout Talos’ lush gardens, Rugg’s works create a poetic conversation with the landscape—stone contours echo foliage, while polished surfaces reflect sky and light.

Technical Brilliance
His effortless shift between static solidity and dynamic fluidity highlights both his intimate understanding of stone and his ability to evoke movement and emotion.

Human Scale & Presence
From Oswald’s human-height proportions to Fernando’s towering presence, Rugg’s pieces evoke a sense of companionship and awe, inviting viewers to physically and emotionally engage.

Visiting tips

When: Thursdays through Sundays, 11 am–5 pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)

Tickets: Prepaid day tickets £7.50, season passes £15 (unlimited visits + evening events). https://www.talosartgallery.co.uk/plan-your-visit

Extras: Don’t miss the new Talos Foundry display featuring bronze works by Amy Goodman, and the pop-up Mrs B’s Café for light refreshments .

Final Reflections

Nick Rugg's sculptures at Talos 2025 are more than stone—they are meditative embodiments of artistry meshed with nature. His ability to coax narrative, emotion, and elegance from hard materials is a testament to his craftsmanship and vision. Whether you're a sculpture aficionado or a casual gallery-goer, Rugg’s works promise moments of contemplation, wonder, and inspiration.

Planning a visit?

Explore the full exhibition lineup on the Talos site, book your ticket, and immerse yourself in a summer of extraordinary art and natural beauty!

Let me know if you want tips on getting there, nearby spots, or background on other artists in the show!

Barbara's Big Bad Hair Day

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 08:27:14 GMT

Barbara’s Bad Hair Day – Beauty in the Chaos

Inspired by the universal struggle of a “bad hair day,” this sculpture celebrates the effortless beauty that still shines through. Barbara’s flowing waves, complete with a playful flick tucked behind her ear, create graceful, curvaceous lines that highlight the elegance in imperfection.

Carved from Bath stone, its smooth, flowing textures add a touch of sophistication, proving that even on a bad hair day, confidence and charm always stand out.

Size: 5'6" H x 1'3" W x 1'3" D

A statement piece that embraces the beauty of every day—perfect for those who appreciate style with a sense of humor!

Introducing Wanna Samba

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 08:12:38 GMT

Wanna Samba – Feel the Rhythm

Inspired by the joy of movement and the energy of dance, Wanna Samba is a sculpture full of life and warmth. It’s a natural follow-up to Wanna Dance, created from cherished memories and lively sketches. Made from split Heather/Plum slate with a sturdy Portland stone base, its flowing form is finished with copper leaf, adding a touch of warmth and vibrancy—just like the beat of a samba.

Size: 4'0" H x 2'6" W x 8" D

Bring the rhythm and passion of dance into your space with this unique, handcrafted piece!

Introducing Nigella Nightjar

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 08:50:11 GMT

NIGELLA NIGHTJAR

The 'Nigella Nightjar' is a combination of memories and the appearance of Coral Reef granite.

This beautifully grained and extremely hard granite lends itself to the camouflage tones of the Nightjar, of which we caught glimpses at twilight in Thassos.

The gold leaf and midnight blue edges and its direction have been used to reflect that time of sunset to night.

The soft generous curves give a sense of effortless movement and define the grace of this beautiful elusive bird! I hope you enjoy it!

Close Buddies is nearly ready!

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 09:07:42 GMT

CLOSE BUDDIES

This piece is based upon that group of very close friends who have through the years always looked out for each other, be it Male or Female.

I have used various materials and curves to identify each buddy as its own but also part of a very tight knit group

It became quite an emotional piece because, strange as it may seem, I can identify certain characters (of past and present), within each piece.

I truly hope you see the same.

Upcoming Pieces which will be available in September

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 01:34:01 GMT

WANNADANCE

This Coarsehill Red Sandstone piece is in its early stages of sculpting.

It will reflect that moment captured in a wedding photo of a Bride & Groom about to kiss or when two people are about to dance for the first time and like what they see and want to hold.

I hope these feelings come through in the final piece.

As these pieces near completion, we are eagerly anticipating their addition to the gallery. Each sculpture offers a new perspective on Nick’s artistic journey, showcasing his ability to breathe life into stone and slate, and to tell stories that resonate with beauty, emotion, and meaning. We invite you to stay tuned for their unveiling and to experience the magic of Nick’s latest creations firsthand.

A Sneak Peak at Upcoming Masterpieces from late August

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:53:30 GMT

SYBIL SUNFLOWER

This Bath Stone and York Stone sculpture (now in a private collection), makes me smile.

Each time you see a sunflower it gives a warm feeling of brightness which I have tries to encapsulate with the addition of gold leaf.

The bees (great fun to carve) have been carved to help give this a sense of natural warmth.

Looking forward to carving another similar to this, in the near future.

The dream and progression of the 'Blue Ball Series'

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 09:12:00 GMT

This series of sculptures are made from heartfelt memories of playing with my Boxer dogs on the beach

The light blue ball is introduced because its the object and colour I associate with fun and goes hand in paw with a playful Boxer dog.

The overriding feeling I get from looking at the finished pieces is happiness and I hope this is the main sense of emotion for anybody else that looks upon them.