We approach the solstice, a time for long summer evenings with gardens in full bloom. June offers five inspiring events, from a sculptural installation at Houghton Hall in Norfolk to the release of Lally MacBeth’s forthcoming book, The Lost Folk.
Stephen Cox: Stone Echoes at Houghton Hall
British sculptor Stephen Cox debuts a new body of work across the grounds and staterooms of Houghton Hall in Norfolk. Carved from alabaster, sandstone, and granite, his monumental forms draw on sacred architecture and classical motifs. The installation forms a quiet dialogue with the estate’s gardens and Palladian architecture.
Stone Echoes is on at Houghton Hall until 29 September 2025.
Summer Solstice at Butser Ancient Farm
Mark the longest day of the year with firelight and folklore at Butser Ancient Farm in Hampshire. Set within a reconstructed Iron Age village, this special evening event includes storytelling, traditional music, solstice rituals, and the lighting of a ceremonial fire.
The Summer Solstice event takes place at Butser Ancient Farm from 21 to 22 June 2025.
Medieval Relics at The Framing Gallery
The Framing Gallery at Green & Stone in London is set to host Medieval Relics, curated by artist Venetia Higgins. This exhibition showcases over 120 works by 26 contemporary artists, spanning paintings, ceramics, stained glass, textiles, and metalwork, all drawing inspiration from medieval themes.
Medieval Relics is on at The Framing Gallery from 16 to 21 June 2025.
Cecil Beaton’s Garden Party at the Garden Museum
The Garden Museum in London presents Cecil Beaton’s Garden Party, an exhibition exploring the renowned photographer's enthusiasm for gardens and their influence on his artistic vision. The display, which is designed by artist Luke Edward Hall, includes photographs, paintings, drawings, and costumes inspired by Beaton’s gardens at Ashcombe and Reddish House.
Cecil Beaton’s Garden Party is on at the Garden Museum from 14 May to 21 September 2025.
The Lost Folk by Lally MacBeth
The most recent creation of artist and folklorist Lally MacBeth, The Lost Folk is a richly illustrated book tracing forgotten folk figures and seasonal rituals from across the British Isles. Through archival research, photography, and storytelling, she brings to light curious customs and uncanny characters from regional traditions.
The Lost Folk will be published by Faber & Faber on 20 June 2025, with events at The London Review Bookshop and online.
Words by Lauren Sneade.
Image 1: Cecil Beaton, Cecil Beaton Archive, Condé Nast, 1960. Courtesy of the Garden Museum.
Image 2: Stephen Cox, Chrysalis, 1989–1991. Courtesy of Houghton Hall.
Image 3: Butser Ancient Farm, Butser Ancient Farm, 2005. Courtesy of Butser Ancient Farm.
Image 4: The Lost Folk, Lally MacBeth, Faber and Faber, 2025. Courtesy of Faber and Faber.
Image 5: The Stone Club, Marco Kesseler, 2024. Courtesy of TOAST.
Image 6: Clashing Rocks, Ayesha Amjad, 2024. Courtesy of the Framing Gallery.
Image 7: Cosmic Waters, Ayesha Amjad, 2024. Courtesy of the Framing Gallery.
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