THE stripped-back grandeur of Hestercombe House has flung open its doors for a radical art exhibition featuring lightwork by Turner Prize-winning artist Tracey Emin.

Playful collection of work, ‘Leaping The Fence’, examines relationships between landscape, gardens and the natural world, and also includes striking pieces by art-world names Mark Wallinger and Marc Quinn.

It’s been a swift six-month turnaround for the venue, which was once owned and run by Somerset County Council and home to Somerset Fire Brigade.

Emin’s presence, along with that of the Trafalgar Square ‘empty fourth plinth’ innovator Wallinger and Kate Moss sculptor Quinn, sets an ambitious tone for this celebration of contemporary art created over the past 25 years.

Curator of the hard-won Cheddon Fitzpaine exhibition Tim Martin, said: “We are really excited about bringing this contemporary art show to Hestercombe.

"Opening the crates was like Christmas for me.”

Sir Andrew Burns, chairman of the Hestercombe Gardens Trust said: “We intend it to become a leading attraction for Taunton, Somerset and the South-West.”

The exhibition runs until Sunday September 14. Opening times are 10am-6pm daily. Gallery access is included in the Hestercombe Gardens admission.

Prices are £9.70 (adults), £24.20 (two adults and up to four children), £5.10 (students), £4.85 (wheelchair users) or £3.70 (children).