A new luminous sculpture has been revealed in the Temple of the Four Winds at Castle Howard.
The Library of the Four Winds, created by internationally renowned artist and designer Es Devlin, was conceived to mark the tricentenary of Sir John Vanbrugh (1664-1726), the visionary architect behind Castle Howard.
It went on display over the weekend, and visitors can see this striking sculpture until Sunday 27 September 2026.
Hailed as ‘the Shakespeare of English architecture’, Vanbrugh had concurrent careers as an architect, playwright, adventurer, soldier, spy, diplomat and garden designer. To mark the 300th anniversary of his death Castle Howard is celebrating his legacy with exhibitions, installations, workshops, talks and performances throughout the year.
Nicholas and Victoria Howard said: “It was Vanbrugh’s vision that brought Castle Howard to life, and now the house has the honour of celebrating its creator.
“There are many ways that audiences can engage with and learn about this larger-than-life character this year, and we are delighted to present this response by Es Devlin which allows her to explore her own affinity to Vanbrugh.
“Her work is an innovative response to Vanbrugh’s vision and continues Castle Howard’s work with contemporary artists.”
Library of the Four Winds, sponsored by Penhaligon’s, is a new luminous artwork that takes over the Temple of the Four Winds and the surrounding area.
A central, rotating sculpture made up of hundreds of books sits within the Temple itself. Outside, four concentric tables and benches encompass the Temple at which members of the public are invited to sit and read, draw and talk to one another.
The collective reading tables have books curated from Es Devlin’s personal library, annotated by the artist. A soundscape of Devlin reading selected passages from these books will play inside and outside of the Temple; the installation honours the National Year of Reading.
Es Devlin said: “It’s a very special privilege to be invited to make a new work within Vanbrugh’s exquisite Temple of the Four Winds at Castle Howard.
“The Library of the Four Winds is a luminous oval revolving bookshelf – reflected to double height through a mirrored base. The sculpture reads aloud from 250 of the books that have most influenced me.
“It draws on Vanbrugh’s dedication to literature, architecture and political activism within his final architectural masterpiece. Four curved tables form a circle around the pavilion. Each table is laid with a selection of my books, and we invite visitors to sit and read and meet one another through the texts throughout the summer of this National Year of Reading.
“We are also offering drawing workshops each week – where people can encounter one another through portraiture.”
To find out more about what’s happening at Castle Howard this summer, and to book your tickets, visit their website here.
