Summer time Sculpture at Beaulieu exhibition launched in lawns of Palace House, kitchen gardens and around the abbey

A STUNNING collection of over 300 sculptures has been unveiled at Beaulieu marking the launch of a three-month exhibition.

Displayed on the lawns of Palace House, the kitchen gardens and around the abbey, the vibrant showcase of work by 57 internationally acclaimed sculptors was officially opened by Lord Montagu last Friday.

Highlights include a majestic Flying Machine inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings, and the three-metre tall horse head Mare made from 7,000 welded components.

Billed as a diverse collection to suit all tastes and budgets, all the sculptures are for sale with prices ranging from £75 right up to £75,000. This summer, during July and August, the grounds of Beaulieu will be open for special evening viewings.

Garden sculptures include steel foxgloves, toadstools, barn owls and hares, coloured glass fish and revolving stained-glass shards, with each piece positioned to enhance its backdrop.

Another exhibition highlight is James Sutton’s huge piece Sacrifice, created in bronze with a copper circle and displayed on a grass bank.

Lord Montagu, who has worked with David Waghorne and Kate McGovern to curate the exhibition, said: “The gardens of Palace House make an excellent backdrop for sculpture, especially as there is a variety of distinctly different areas, each with its own theme.

“Introducing sculptural elements not only enriches a walk around the gardens but also gives you reason to stop and take in the atmosphere as you admire, or puzzle over, the works on display. Smaller pieces are exhibited inside Palace House, where the period furniture and Victorian décor is enlivened by the addition of these contemporary works.”

He added: “My thanks to curators David Waghorne and Kate McGovern for putting together such an interesting and varied collection, drawn from artists across Europe, the UK and even the Beaulieu Estate.”

Local artists in the showcase include Gary Boulton, who lives on the Beaulieu Estate, with his eye catching Mare; and steel creatures by Milford sculptor Michael Turner, who is known for hiding a trail of handmade poppies each year in aid of the Royal British Legion.

Sculpture at Beaulieu continues until 24th September with entry included in admission to the Beaulieu attractions. Special Thursday evening sculpture tickets are also available. For more information and to book visit www.beaulieu.contemporarysculpture.co.uk