In ‘Interventions,’ Ann Carrington’s Elaborate Metal Sculptures Plumb the Past

an installation view of metal mesh screens and a large floral arrangement in the center on a blue pedestal, all made out of found metals like cutlery, horseshoes, and decorative metals

Installation view of ‘Interventions.’ Photos by Sam Angel. All images © Ann Carrington, courtesy of the artist and Cheekwood Estate, Nashville, shared with permission

One of the most enduring symbols of wealth and status is the country house, especially in England, where the tradition began to flourish during the 15th and 16th centuries. Thanks to increased stability during the Tudor era, stately homes no longer needed to be intensely fortified, giving birth to architectural expression on a grand scale.

Characterized by imposing facades and sprawling grounds, lavish country houses are popular all over the world. In the U.S., the Industrial Revolution spurred new wealth, and the American Country Place Era (1890-1930) saw the construction of numerous homes away from major urban centers. Cheekwood Estate, on the outskirts of Nashville, Tennessee, is an example built toward the end of that period, providing a standout setting for Ann Carrington’s ambitious solo exhibition as part of the estate’s ongoing series, Interventions.

Curling spoon handles into fanning seed heads, fork tines into thin petals, or hairpins into pistils and stamens, Carrington (previously) creates opulent compositions from vintage metals. Drawing on the legacy of vanitas paintings, in which lush bouquets and platters of food often hide an underlying symbolism of decay, the artist considers how everyday items like cooking and eating utensils remain long after the food or floral arrangements have disappeared.

From Cheekwood’s kitchen to the conservatory and numerous rooms in between, Carrington has installed a total of 33 elaborate floral displays, delicate screens, and thriving spiderwebs made of metal. Complementing the estate’s collection of fine and decorative arts, Carrington’s pieces beckon visitors through formal entryways and period rooms. A pair of brass hands holding delicate tendrils flanks a large fireplace, while numerous bouquets crown tabletops and plinths throughout the home.

Interventions—Ann Carrington continues through October 27, and you can explore more of the artist’s work on her website and Instagram.

a floral arrangement sculpture made out of vintage cutlery

“Shomu-en,” silver, nickel, and steel-plated cutlery, 43.3 x 27.6 x 27.6 inches

detail of a sculpture using cutlery to make floral arrangements

an ornate fireplace flanked by two metal sculptures on the wall of brass hands holding delicate bunches of metal

Installation view of “Gloire de Marengo and Tussie Mussie,” brass and steel, 41.3 x 23.6 x 8.3 inches

a delicate metal sculpture on the wall depicting a brass hand holding delicate bunches of metal

“Gloire de Marengo,” brass and steel, 41.3 x 23.6 x 8.3 inches

“Firecracker,” silver, nickel, and steel-plated cutlery, 29.9 x 24.4 x 24.4 inches

a metal sculpture of a spiderweb full of insects and patterns, situated in front of a window

“Spiderfolk,” steel, brass, and bronze, 98.4 x 69.7 x 22.8 inches

a detail of a metal sculpture of a spiderweb full of insects and patterns, situated in front of a window

Detail of “Spiderfolk”

an ornate pink period room with two sculptures, one on the wall above a fireplace like a giant spiderweb and the other on a pedestal depicting a pitcher dumping a pile of flowers out of it, made of metal

Installation view

a sculpture in the kitchen of a historic home of fish dangling on a wire, all made of found metal objects like tin cans and cutlery

“Fish Wish,” mixed media, including tin cans, silver cutlery, and tableware, 47.3 x 47.3 x 15.8 inches

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