The Oxfordshire Museum’s beautiful walled garden, behind Fletcher’s House, Woodstock, is the backdrop for more than 30 sculptures created by members of the Oxford Sculptors Group. This exhibition will appeal to those interested in contemporary work as well as those who prefer more traditional subjects. Thought has also been given to the needs of the many children who visit the garden who instinctively want to touch, stroke and talk to the sculptures. There is nothing on display that can be spoiled by the attentions of young people who appear to find the shapes as fascinating as the adults do.

Nick Collins’ Forest Elf created from bronze resin and concrete, with his spiky hat and mischievous look, is certainly proving a great attraction with young visitors who appear to empathise with him. He is just the right size for conversation and hugs. Nearby stands Marie Shepherd’s life-size Chicken, created from ciment fondu and an iron resin model of a cockerel by Carole Orwin named Col. Sanders who stands proudly next to the chicken.

Close by you can admire the Fisherman by Christine Burgess, who has created this superb sculpture from a weatherproof ceramic. The Snowy Owl created from marble resin by John Penrose watches over the Fisherman.

One intriguing addition, which is placed amid the flowers close to the owl, is Mike Bigland’s Alliu. It is one of several spiky flower arrangements that have been placed among the herbaceous plants. Most visitors appear to do a double take on discovering this piece – is it a real flower or a part of the show? Actually it is part of the show – and a superb addition which adds a subtle elegance to the flowerbed.

Marie Boyle’s sculpture of hands put together in prayer – Dominus Providet – created from bronze resin is a powerful piece, which looks perfectly at home in a garden setting.

This fascinating exhibition continues until September 20 – entrance is free. Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and 2pm to 5pm on Sundays.

Helen Peacocke