Abbotsbury Swannery 
Four new arrivals in the landscape
Four striking new sculptures by contemporary figurative sculptor Brendon Murless have recently been installed at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. Set within 30 spectacular acres on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, the new arrivals sit naturally among the planting, pathways and quiet corners that make the Gardens such a memorable place to explore.
As you wander through camellia groves, past lily ponds and into the Victorian Garden, you will come across moments of stillness and movement captured in form, placed thoughtfully within the landscape.
A new sculpture trail to discover
The four new pieces are titled Serenity, Emergence, Listen to the Forest II and Queen Bee. As is a common, powerful theme of Brendan’s work, the sculptures wonderfully showcase the human form, juxtaposed with the beauty we find within nature.
Queen Bee, positioned in the Victorian Garden, draws directly on the movement and resilience of wild honey bees. Brendon created the piece to highlight the pressures bees face and to hold our attention on their presence in the world around us. It is a fitting setting for the work, surrounded by planting that feels abundant and alive, providing a striking spectacle just as you begin your garden walk.
Sculpture shaped by the human form and nature
About Brendon Murless
Brendon Murless is a contemporary figurative sculptor whose work explores the body in different forms, poses and materials. His practice is rooted in an ongoing fascination with the relationship between people and the natural world, and he often begins with a theme or idea while leaving space for each viewer to bring their own reading to the finished piece.
He creates sculptures for both indoor and outdoor settings, ranging from small, mantlepiece-sized works through to larger garden and public pieces. Across his work, materials and process play a central role. Brendon works across bronze, copper, wood, stone and resins, drawing on a wide set of techniques and a deep knowledge of how a chosen material can shape the final surface, tone and presence of the sculpture.
Plan your visit and see the sculptures in person
A reason to return to Abbotsbury throughout the season
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is open daily from 10am until 4pm, with last entry at 3pm, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own pace. The Gardens’ coastal setting helps create a milder microclimate, which supports the diverse planting that visitors travel to see, and it also makes for a rewarding day out across spring, summer, autumn and winter.
If you would like to make a full day of it, the Café at Abbottsbury Subtropical Gardens is open daily from 10am until 3.30pm throughout the winter months, serving homemade light snacks, savoury pastries, sandwiches, soup and cakes, alongside hot and cold drinks, plus a selection of local beer and cider. Gluten-free, dairy-free, dairy free and vegan options are always available, and the team will try to adjust dishes to suit where possible, so it is worth mentioning any dietary requirements when you order.
The sculptures are best experienced as part of a wider walk around the Gardens. To see the new sculptures in person, book your garden tickets and come and explore. They’re a must-see!
Posted on January 27th 2026
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