Phyllida Barlow's posthumous exhibition "Disruptor" at Wolterton Hall in Norfolk transforms the 18th-century Palladian mansion with her signature chaotic sculptures made from cheap materials like latex, cardboard, foam, and plywood. Works such as "Untitled: Stacked Chairs" and "Loaf" are installed throughout the stately home, clashing with its opulent interiors and historic treasures. The show, curated by artistic director Simon Oldfield, also includes a concurrent solo exhibition by Daisy Parris titled "Fist Full of Dreams."
The exhibition matters because it represents a bold approach to programming in historic country houses, with Oldfield stripping away some of the house's original decor—including family portraits and wallpaper—to make space for contemporary art. Barlow's work, which she called "monuments to impermanence," creates a provocative dialogue with the house's legacy of permanence and power, challenging how stately homes can engage with modern audiences. The show also highlights Barlow's enduring influence after her death in 2023.