William Pye - Water Sculpture

Sir Roy Strong
July 2001

'Sensitivity to place is the key to William Pye's deployment of sculpture and water in an ever-shifting panorama of materials and shapes. Whatever the setting, whether then or now, he creates unique aquatic pieces which manage perfectly to complement and never usurp the genius loci. In his work a reverence for the past is matched by a spirit which is uncompromisingly of our own time.'

Sir Richard Carew Pole
President of the Royal Horticultural Society, Trustee of the Tate Gallery
Resident of Antony
COMMISSION FOR ANTONY HOUSE, CORNWALL (NATIONAL TRUST)

'Your water sculpture is a masterpiece…it will enormously enhance the garden and will reflect what was going on in the twentieth century for many centuries to come.’

The Prince of Wales
COMMISSION FOR HIGHGROVE

'I can't get over how fascinating the shapes of water are as they pour over these elegant bronze spouts. They look like solid glass or frozen water and I find myself gazing in rapt attention at them oblivious to all time. You have been extremely clever with your design and I am so glad that the fountain has a contemporary, yet timeless feel.'

The Earl of Pembroke
COMMISSION FOR WILTON HOUSE - 'SCALA AQUAE PEMBROCHIANA'

'I feel the whole sculpture is wonderflul. The cup features are a great success and look fantastic at night - Well done!'

Sir Roy Strong
who has written extensively on the history of the Wilton House Garden ('The Renaissance Garden in England' and 'The Artist Gardener')

'It looks, as I would expect quite WONDERFUL. Bravo!'

The Prince of Wales
(from a letter)

'...the Wilton House design - brilliant.'

Simon Jenkins
Journalist

'I saw your new piece at Wilton and think it's wonderful.'

Lord Carrington
COMMISSION FOR A PRIVATE GARDEN

'It is magnificent - I am thrilled and very grateful ... Hooray for your Muse.'