Rowsley to be transformed into sculpture park this autumn
Rowsley in Derbyshire is going art crazy later this year, as Derwent-Wye Fine Art joins forces with two other local business to present a multi-site sculpture exhibition. Peak District hotels East Lodge and the Peacock will each be staging elements of the exhibition in their respective grounds. Each will be displaying works by the cream of 20th century and contemporary sculptors in key exterior locations, while Derwent-Wye’s Exhibit Gallery will display some of the smaller works indoors.
[UKPRwire, Fri Feb 26 2010] Rowsley in Derbyshire is going art crazy later this year, as Derwent-Wye Fine Art joins forces with two other local business to present a multi-site sculpture exhibition. Peak District hotels East Lodge and the Peacock will each be staging elements of the exhibition in their respective grounds. Each will be displaying works by the cream of 20th century and contemporary sculptors in key exterior locations, while Derwent-Wye’s Exhibit Gallery will display some of the smaller works indoors.
The event will be taking place for a two month period during September and October and will give local Rowsley residents and visitors alike the opportunity to view works by major figures from the world of sculpture - like the renowned Sir Jacob Epstein, as well as the chance to see works like the ‘Sycamore Seed Seat’ by popular Cornish sculptor Ben Barrell.
“We are delighted to be hosting part of this local exhibition of sculpture and working in partnership with two other local businesses Derwent-Wye and The Peacock, for the overall benefit of the area,” said Iain Hardman, director of multi award-winning East Lodge. “East Lodge is a fantastic building combining the best of traditional and more modern tastes, and these contemporary sculptures will add another dimension to the exterior of the hotel. Our extensive grounds lend themselves extremely well to this project and we are excited about what the sculptures will look like in situ,” added Iain.
Art lovers who can reach the exhibition will be in for a treat. As a young and emerging sculptor, Ben Barrell is quickly making a name for himself. A native of Cornwall, he takes his experiences on land and from his time as a sailor and pours them into his work. His work showcases his love of the ergonomic designs we are all surrounded by in nature, “from the curve of the wind filled sail to the symmetry of a budding flower,” to quote Ben himself.
Even for those who claim to know nothing about art, the name Sir Jacob Epstein (1880-1959) needs no introduction. Widely considered one of the pioneers of modern sculpture, many will be familiar with Epstein’s works, even if they do not recall his name. Epstein’s most famous sculpture known outside art circles is probably ‘St. Michael’s Victory over Satan’ outside Coventry Cathedral. Art lovers will know that in his later years, Epstein became associated with the Vorticist movement, which looked towards the future with fear. Exponents of this movement recognised the power of technology, particularly the machine. In part, Epstein was influenced in this by the impact of the two world wars he lived through and the damage that modern technology could do and several of his works reflect this outlook.
“It’s great for the area that East Lodge and the Peacock have joined forces with us and agreed to take part in this sculpture exhibition, as It’s not every day you get to exhibit works from such a diverse range of famous artists in one place,” said Dr John Basford, director of Derwent-Wye fine art . “Ben Barrell is the perfect example of the up and coming artist who is already making waves in art circles with his sailing inspired works, and it is just fantastic to be able to showcase work from a legend like Jacob Epstein. There really will be something on display for everyone, and all in the superb surroundings of two of the finest hotels in the region, if not the country.”
East Lodge is owned by the Hardman family and has picked up a wide range of prestigious accolades in recent years. East Lodge has again achieved the coveted AA “Inspectors’ Choice” accolade with three red stars for 2010, placing it within the top 150 hotels in the UK and were one of just 48 hotels in UK presented with the Visit England Gold Award. For further information about the hotel visit http://www.eastlodge.com, alternatively, to book an overnight stay at East Lodge, including its award-winning breakfast call 01629 734474.
ENDS
Photograph and caption:
(Background, L-R: David Naylor, director of Derwent-Wye; Iain Hardman, director of East Lodge; and Ian MacKenzie, with (foreground) Jenni MacKenzie, managers of The Peacock.)
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