For the first time at Beaulieu, a sculpture exhibition featuring the work of over 60 international and national sculptors will showcase more than 350 stunning works throughout the grounds and gardens of the ancestral Montagu home of Palace House.
From the atmospheric ruins of 13th century Beaulieu Abbey to the Victorian flower garden, the unique collection will be set against the perfect backdrop in Sculpture at Beaulieu from May 25th – July 14th.
Special displays will include a ‘Tribute to the horse’, featuring a full-size bronze horse by world-renowned contemporary sculptor Heather Jansch. The statue is from her collection of powerfully agile driftwood and bronze equine figures. The horse theme has been chosen to celebrate Beaulieu’s setting in the heart of the New Forest National Park.
Sculpture at Beaulieu Curator David Waghorne said: “The exhibition will be one of the most prestigious to visit in the UK during 2019. Each piece will complement the very diverse areas within Beaulieu and aim to provide an eclectic and exciting exhibition to suit all tastes and styles. These range from figurative to abstract, marble to bronze and across all other mediums and budgets.”
Visitors can follow the trail of the sculpture collection around the attraction. Smaller, exquisite pieces will be shown inside Palace House, including a drinking horse sculpture by Tom Hiscocks whose larger version stands at Newbury Racecourse. Landscape sculptures will be placed outside, while reflective pieces will be chosen for the tranquil grounds of Beaulieu Abbey and key colour sculptures will complement nature in the flower garden.
David has chosen sculptors for their internationally-acclaimed work and diversity in materials and styles – such as a kinetic stainless steel Spitfire by Richard Cresswell, which stands at 11ft high and turns in the wind, and a full-size bronze Icarus figure by Nicola Godden, whose work graced the Olympic Village in London.
Sculptors include Jilly Sutton, whose striking, hollowed out heads carved from a single piece of wood and mounted on slate can also be seen in the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection. Visitors will recognise the bold, colourful work of Patricia Volk by her much-seen ceramic sculpture, which spells out television’s ITV logo.
Fellow of the Royal British Society of Sculptors Rebecca Newnham’s polished handmade glass can also be seen in London’s Regent Park and pieces by contemporary stone sculptor Mel Fraser might have been spotted at The Chelsea Flower Show, as well as in Europe, New York and a recent installation in the Frank Gehry’s Opus Building in Hong Kong. The Le Blanc family, who will exhibit some of their prestigious bronze sculptures, also exhibit in collections around the world.
A catalogue of all of the exhibition sculptures can be purchased on arrival at Beaulieu’s Visitor Reception. Every piece on show will be for sale, with prices starting from £25 and ranging to £120,000, and including some unique and limited edition pieces. There will be something for everyone, from the casual browser to the serious buyer.
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