IT is one of Britain’s best-loved stately homes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But visitors to Blenheim Palace may be left scratching their heads following the installation of a new exhibition of modern art.

The show by American artist Lawrence Weiner consists of profound lines of text which are mounted in unlikely settings around the 18th century palace – on ceilings, mantelpieces and beside historic tapestries. The biggest piece, above the palace’s main entrance, lends its name to the exhibition: “Within A Realm of Distance”

Some pieces have been created especially for the show, which is presented by the Blenheim Art Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation founded by Lord Edward Spencer-Churchill, brother of the 12th Duke of Marlborough, to increase public access to contemporary art. 

Mr Weiner, who is regarded as one of the most influential artists working today, met visitors to the palace yesterday for the launch of the exhibition. He said: “Doing this has been a bundle of fun. The palace is quite beautiful, and I have been looking at it as a support structure.

“This is not just another show. Every show is, at the moment, the most important thing you are doing – until the next one.”

The show follows a groundbreaking exhibition, installed last year, by the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei.

Lord Edward Spencer-Churchill is the driving force behind the use of the palace as a venue for modern art. He said: “I’m not saying I’m a pioneer, but if you aren’t prepared to experiment, you never move forward.”

He added: “Lawrence is one of the fathers of modern conceptualism and his work speaks for itself. It forms a sculpture in your mind.”

  • Lawrence Weiner’s Within A Realm of Distance is at Blenheim Palace until December 20.