The Sky is Moving Sideways is the name of a sculpture trail, a set of ephemeral sculptures, installation and an element of performance, curated by artist Rebekah Dean and set in the grounds of the rather rewarding Stephens House. a large Victorian mansion (Grade II listed) situated on East End Road in Finchley in the London Borough of Barnet. Built in 1859 on land formerly known as Temple Croft Field, it was acquired in 1874 by ink magnate and philanthropist Henry Charles Stephens (“Inky”) who later enlarged and improved the house and grounds with advice from well-known landscape gardener Robert Marnock.

The artists taking part are Helen Billinghurst, Laura Moreton-Griffiths, Sean Worrall, Mary T Spence, Caroline Halliday, Emma Harvey, Lito Apostolakou, Jenny Klein, Teresa Paiva, Monika Tobel and Rebekah Dean, the private view (I never quite know why these things are called private views, it makes it sound like you can’t come, private views are generally open to everyone), the private view and opening night is on Tuesday September 13th (6.30pm until 8pm), with a live performance from Monika Tobel, Getting to know you, at 7pm at the middle green spinney of fir trees and a second live performance, from Teresa Paiva, Offering to Watramama at 7.15pm over on the pond jetty. 

The trail builds on the previous one, Briefly In-Transit, at the same venue back in 2020, where once again artists were invited to present transient and ephemeral artworks, that ingeniously stood up to the elements, and pushed the boundaries of impermanence. The aim of a sculpture trail is for viewers to walk a distance in-between the artworks. “Unlike a gallery space which presents a confined interior setting and shorter walking distances between the works, a trail offers the experience of being outdoors, and an opportunity to connect with nature, art and the open air”.

Enter the gardens through the Main House entrance of Stephens House on East End Road, to pick up trail map & drinks. The nearest tube Finchley Central, take the Station Road exit. The trail takes place between September 13th and September 18th. The gardens are open from 8pm until 6pm. The Cafe is open 9am until 4pm (10am on weekends). Stephens House, 17 East End Road, Finchley, London N3 3QE