Norfolk’s wide open skies should provide the ideal backdrop for a new exhibition by one of the world’s most celebrated artists.

Sean Scully’s new exhibition, Smaller Than The Sky, is coming to Houghton Hall, between King’s Lynn and Fakenham.

The Irish-born American-based artist’s sculptures will take over the grounds, while some of his paintings and works on paper will go on show inside the hall and contemporary gallery.

Eastern Daily Press: The Irish American-based artist Sean Scully - Picture: RaulmaigiThe Irish American-based artist Sean Scully - Picture: Raulmaigi (Image: Raulmaigi)

Mr Scully, 77, said a concern for the environment and a focus on nature was at the core of the new exhibition.

He said: "England, as we’ve seen from the fabulous paintings by Constable, is a country very informed by sky. 

“People talk about the sky all the time. They talk about the weather, or the clouds, the wet. 

Eastern Daily Press: Sean Scully's sculpture Glass Stack - Picture: Sean Scully/Courtesy Lisson Gallery and Thaddaeus Ropac gallerySean Scully's sculpture Glass Stack - Picture: Sean Scully/Courtesy Lisson Gallery and Thaddaeus Ropac gallery (Image: Sean Scully/Courtesy Lisson Gallery and Thaddaeus Ropac gallery)

“So, it’s a source of inspiration. 

“When you put sculptures outside, you are aware that the sky is illuminating them, and conditioning how they look. 

“Whatever you put out there is always humbled by the bigness of the sky."

Scully has also produced a book called Endangered Sky in a collaboration with the poet Kelly Grovier.

Eastern Daily Press: Sean Scully's sculpture Crate of Air - Picture: Jonty WildeSean Scully's sculpture Crate of Air - Picture: Jonty Wilde (Image: Jonty Wilde)

Focusing on the plight of bird life and extinction, the book will be launched as part of the exhibition.

Mr Scully has twice been nominated for the Turner Prize, and is credited with helping to lead the transition from minimalism to emotional abstraction in painting.

Lord David Cholmondeley, Houghton Hall’s owner, said: ''As a long-time admirer of Sean Scully's work, I feel extremely proud to be able to bring this major exhibition to Houghton.

Eastern Daily Press: Houghton Hall, between King's Lynn and Fakenham - Picture: SubmittedHoughton Hall, between King's Lynn and Fakenham - Picture: Submitted (Image: Submitted)

"Scully's paintings and sculptures often evoke landscape and architecture, and will look sensational against the backdrop of the house.''

Curated by Sean Rainbird, Smaller Than The Sky runs from April 23 to October 29. 

Tickets will cost £20 online, £22 at the gate, £10 for students and under 18s go free.