Leeds Castle will be in full bloom this autumn with the launch of a brand-new outdoor sculpture trail inspired by beauty of the botanical world.
Running from 5th September to 3rd October, ‘Sculpture at the Castle: A Botanical Showcase‘ features more than 30 outdoor artworks inspired by flowers, plants and gardens set within the majestic grounds of the historic Kent castle.
The diverse display of abstract and figurative floral works will feature works from 13 sculptors created using a variety of different materials from recycled plastic to industrial steel.
The sculptures will feature with a backdrop of trees in the Princess Alexandra Gardens, along the water’s edge of the Lady Baillie Mediterranean Terraces and amongst the blooms in the Culpeper Gardens.
Several of the artists are creating works specially for the trail. Sculptor and Master Blacksmith Andy Hopper has made a giant metallic seed pod, and environmental artist Diane Maclean has created an oversized rose which changes colour in the light.
Award-winning Kent-based artist Carole Andrews will also be exhibiting a selection of her artworks.
Carole has been making sculpture for about 15 years after gaining a degree in Fine Art from Kent Institute of Art and Design, is a Fellow of the Royal British Society of Sculptors and exhibited in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.
She will be joined by heavy industrial steel artist and sculptor, Simon Probyn, a gold medal award winner at both RHS Malvern Spring Show and Hampton Court Palace, whose work has also been featured on BBC Gardener’s World.
Among the many other highlights will be a sculpture from Richard Cresswell – a giant silver walnut leaf which will be located underneath the walnut tree close to the maze. The kinetic metal sculpture will move in the breeze.
There will be ‘meet the maker’ talks throughout the event and a special pop-up Flower Bench located on the Castle Island, where visitors can sit in front of the castle croquet lawn surrounded by a classical country garden style floral display.
For younger visitors there’s also a floral-inspired trail around the grounds.
Visitors can also explore the Castle gardens and wider estate as part of weekly garden tours and parkland walks. Tours last approximately one hour and must be pre-booked. Small additional charge applies.
For more information and to book online visit www.leeds-castle.com.
