A New Artistic Dialogue in The Garden Room

At The Priory, we have always believed that the most resonant experiences are found in the details. This season, we are pleased to introduce a new collaboration within The Garden Room Restaurant. We are hosting Unfolding Moments, a series of meditative works by British-Hungarian artist Laura Medcalf.

These works were created specifically in dialogue with the Dorset landscape that surrounds our riverside retreat.

Co-Created with the Jurassic Coast

Laura Medcalf’s practice is an intuitive response to the natural world. For this series, the artist spent time at South Beach, Studland Bay, overlooking the iconic Old Harry Rocks.

Her process is physically intertwined with the Jurassic Coast. The artworks are taken to the water’s edge and immersed in the sea. They are brushed with sediments and activated by Dorset sunlight. This method allows the environment to complete the process, revealing deep, shifting blues that mirror the energy of the shoreline.

A Sensory Experience in The Garden Room

The Garden Room Restaurant has always been a space defined by its connection to the outdoors. With its green oak beams and views over the River Frome, it provides the perfect backdrop for Medcalf’s exploration of light and tide.

As you enjoy a lunch of locally sourced Dorset produce, these fifteen works offer a quiet moment of reflection. They transform the ephemeral movement of the sea into an enduring presence within the restaurant.

About the Artist

Laura Medcalf (b. 1996) is a multidisciplinary artist and graduate of the Arts University Bournemouth. Her signature style is deeply inspired by her closeness to the British seaside. Having exhibited in London and Budapest, she now brings this unique coastal narrative to Wareham.

We invite you to sit, stay, and observe these works during your next visit. Each piece in the Unfolding Moments series is available to purchase, allowing you to take a piece of the Dorset coast home with you.