Avebury Manor turns Art Gallery as the fourth Sculpture Exhibition launches

Avebury may be famous for the stones within and around the henge but for the next five weeks it can offer visitors views of a few more remarkable stones (and inspirational objects of many other materials too) as Avebury Manor’s classic country house garden is taken over by around eighty beautiful sculptures for the fourth year in a row.

 

Earlier today, Friday 6 September, General Manager, Jan Tomlin declared this year’s sculpture exhibition open as she welcomed guests from the local community, many of the twenty-four artists exhibiting here and members of the manor’s staff to celebrate the official launch in the garden of National Trust’s Avebury Manor..

 

Marble sculptures nestle in the borders of Lion Walk, a trio of hares play in the grass of the Orchard – at every turn there is something thought-provoking, delightful or amusing – and all with the perfect backdrop of this beautiful and tranquil garden.

Hazel Barry-Scott, Senior Visitor Experience Officer, and organiser, said:  “Now in its fourth year, this exhibition has become a well-established feature in the Avebury calendar.  We’ve a wide range of artists;  some have exhibited here before while for others it’s their first time – which brings an eclectic mix to the display.  It’s one of our team’s most looked-forward-to events of the year and it’s so wonderful to bring a different dimension to the garden. Every year a certain sculpture will make me look at the garden in a new way which never fails to delight.’

With the busy summer holiday months now past the exhibition brings a sense of calm and tranquillity back to Avebury especially for those visitors who enjoy a relaxed and cultured experience.

Simon Brooks, Head Gardener, says “The exhibition is something that complements the garden perfectly, reminiscent of time past when the garden would have been adorned with statues and sculptures.”

The exhibition runs from Saturday 7 September until Sunday 13 October, 11am-5pm and is free with entry to the garden.

To find out more visit the National Trust Avebury website on:  www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury.

 

Below are pics of some of the inspirational sculptures on display – scroll right down to the end to uncover all and click on any to enlarge: