East Lodge helps Peak District become ‘UK capital of sculpture’

Conceived by Derwent-Wye Fine art of Rowsley, the exhibition will be displayed across three sites in Rowsley – in the grounds of East Lodge Hotel from Friday 10 September until Sunday 17 October; Derwent-Wye’s Exhibit Gallery itself, and The Peacock Hotel – with all the works available for sale.

Sculpture/prints will be on display from famous artists past and present including big names like Jacob Epstein, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth to up and coming new names like Ben Barrell. The exhibition will be free to enter and a full colour catalogue will be available to purchase from early September.

"We are all really looking forward to hosting part of this sculpture exhibition in September" explained East Lodge director Iain Hardman. "Time-wise, the event will also tie in with the Beyond Limits sculpture at Chatsworth, so itÂ’s exciting to think that for a month or so, this region will be transformed into the UK capital of sculpture!"

As the closest hotel to Chatsworth, as one of the three sites chosen for the exhibition, East Lodge is the perfect place for art lovers and potential purchasers of the works to stay, while they take in both the sculptures and scenery the region has to offer.

"As well as the pleasure of hosting part of the exhibition, it has been great to work in partnership with two other local businesses in helping to put Rowsley and the Peak District on the map," continued Iain. "Our region has a great deal to offer and this sculpture exhibition is set to be another important milestone in our efforts to promote Rowsley to a wider audience throughout the UK and beyond."

As well as being recognised as one of the finest hotels not just in the region but the UK, East Lodge is a popular venue for weddings, national conferencing and important business meetings, when only the very best will do. This exhibition of sculpture is just one more example of the variety of different events the hotel is booked for. Selected by Conde Nast as one of the three finalists in their "best venue hotel" award category, the hotel is situated within 10 acres of its own grounds, which means that there is ample room for the sculptures to be displayed and should art lovers wish to fly in from other parts of the country, arrival by helicopter is welcome. The secure nature of the building and grounds also makes East Lodge ideal for VIP visitors and exclusive use.

The sculptures on display at East Lodge will be available to view Monday-Thursday from 10am to 6pm; at The Peacock 10am to 6pm daily and in Exhibit Gallery from Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm and Saturday 9am until 3pm (closed Sunday).

As a taster of what is to come, East lodge and The Peacock have showcased some sculptures already – with The Peacock displaying works by Leslie Summers and East Lodge showing off a bronze by Sir Jacob Epstein. Other artists whose work will be exhibited in September include Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Sydney Harpley, Trevor Faulkner, Sylvia Worthington, Simon Manby, John Basford, Mark Stoddart and Ben Barrell.

"The talking and organising is almost over and the exhibition is now almost upon us," said John Basford, a director of Derwent-Wye. "A great deal of interest has already been expressed but we hope that many people from the surrounding area will take a one in a lifetime opportunity to see some of the finest artwork while it is right on their own doorstep."

While there are signature works on display from Epstein that will attract interest from serious buyers, there will also be the opportunity for everyone to buy works from the EpsteinÂ’s of the future.

East Lodge remains one of the top hotels and restaurants in the UK, with a prestigious range of accolades to its name. Owned by the Hardman family, East Lodge can also point to the coveted AA "InspectorsÂ’ Choice" Award, with three red stars for 2010 placing it within the top 150 hotels in the whole of the UK and East Lodge remains just one of 48 hotels in the country presented with a Visit England Gold Award.

To find out more about staying at East Lodge or the forthcoming exhibition, call 01629 734474. Alternatively, visit the hotel website at www.eastlodge.com

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Further details on the exhibition can be gained by contacting John, David or Stephen at Derwent-Wye Fine Art on 01629 733310. Email derwentwye@btconnect.com or visit the website at www.derwent-wyefineart.co.uk

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EL0089 – Derwent-Wye Fine Art Sculpture Exhibition