In the foothills of the Sierra Gorda, in the state of San Luis Potosí, lies a magical place known as the Edward James Sculpture Garden. This place, created by the eccentric English aristocrat Edward James, is a living work of art that combines surreal sculptures with the exuberant nature of the region.
Edward James was born in 1907 into a wealthy family in England. Despite having a privileged upbringing and access to his family's wealth, James always felt that he did not fit into the aristocratic world to which he belonged. In his youth, he became interested in art and became a patron of various Surrealist artists, including Salvador Dalí and René Magritte.
In the 1940s, James traveled to Mexico and was entranced by the beauty of the country. In 1947, he bought a farm in Xilitla, in the Sierra Gorda mountains, and began working on his life project: the Sculpture Garden.
The Garden is a constantly evolving work of art. Starting with a botanical garden that James built on the hills on his property, he gradually incorporated surrealist sculptures throughout the landscape. Some of the sculptures are huge and extravagant, such as the "Casa de los Tres Pisones", a three-story structure that seems to be about to collapse. Others are more subtle, like the sculptures hidden among the vegetation of the garden.
The architectural style of the garden buildings is surreal and organic. James designed many of the structures himself, drawing inspiration from the work of architects Antoni Gaudí and Frank Lloyd Wright. The structures are built from local stones, wood, and other natural materials, and are integrated into the landscape in a way that appears to have grown there naturally.
James did not work alone in the Sculpture Garden. During his time in Xilitla, he associated with various contemporary artists and friends, including the surrealist poet Edward Dahlberg and the Mexican sculptor and architect Plutarco Gastélum. Gastélum, in particular, collaborated on many of the garden's designs and constructions.
A fun fact about Edward James is that in addition to being a patron of artists, he was also a published poet and writer. He wrote several books of poetry and an autobiography, "Swans Reflecting Elephants: My Early Years", which details his childhood and youth in England. Furthermore, he was known for his eccentricity, and it is said that he had a pink Rolls-Royce car and a pet fox named Chiquita.
To get to Xilitla I recommend you go from the state of Querétaro through the sierra gorda, you will pass through Pinal de Amoles where the church of San Pedro and San Pablo is located, an 18th century temple with a pink and white stone façade and a tower with two bodies. There are also several museums that exhibit the history and culture of the region.
Then you can make a stop in Jalpan de Serra where the Mission of Santiago de Jalpan stands out, which is one of the five Franciscan temples that were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003. This temple was built in the 18th century and is considered one of the most outstanding examples of baroque architecture in Mexico.
If you have time, I recommend you go to see the Chuveje Waterfall, which is located about 20 kilometers from the municipal seat of Jalpan. This waterfall is one of the largest in the Sierra Gorda and offers an impressive spectacle for visitors.
In summary, I invite you to discover one of the most fascinating and surprising places in Mexico. Here you will find exuberant nature and a rich culture that is reflected in the architecture, gastronomy and hospitality of its people. Do not miss the opportunity to live this unique and unforgettable experience!
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