The Trail Begins!

Chameleon and Egret (with interested, thirsty cows!)

Our Sculpture Trail at Stourhead National Trust Estate, entitled 'Beyond the Garden Gate', is now up and running throughout September (normal NT admission applies).  The past week was, for all of us, a huge exertion of energy and effort to successfully bring together our Trail and the grand Private view opening yesterday evening.  We were blessed with beautiful weather which helped create a magical tour for our first visitors.  

Capri Marquee from our Sponsor Adams Marquees

Some of our first visitors through Arch & Nest (Fiona) above - and more below 

Bacchus (Paul and Rachel)

Egret (Anthony)

Amphibian (Paul and Rachel)

Insects (painting - Paul)

Heron - above and below (Fiona)

Bacchus' Musicians - above and below (Paul and Rachel)

Chameleon (Fiona)

Heron (Rachel and Paul)

Starfish Fungus (Fiona)

Butterfly (Fiona)

Cocoon IV (Fiona)

We have already had some wonderful feedback and interest in our work.  Here are some visitors' comments:

"Many many thanks for the invite to Stourhead tonight. It was all magnificent, what luck with the weather, the light and the setting. It is also so witty!

The wine was pretty good too...."

Bob French

"Stourhead was a spectacular setting for all those exotic, clever and beautiful sculptures; particularly enjoyed your Chameleon and the Egret."

Victoria Grinter

"Love the integration into the grounds - brilliant!"

Christine Dean

"A super child-friendly eclectic show"

Nick Somerville

"Going around trying to find the un-natural creatures was a thrill!"

Tristan Stevens

Thanks to Stourhead for the beautiful venue and all our Sponsors who have contributed to the Trail's success:

Adams Marquees www.adamsmarquees.co.uk

Hicks & Don Wine Merchants www.hicksanddon.co.uk

JD Recycling Warminster

John Shepherd Feeders www.johnshepherdfeeders.com

Pylle Motor Spares

Regenersis www.regenersis.com

Ripe Digital Printers www.ripedigital.co.uk

Sureset Resin Paving www.sureset.co.uk

VJ Ultra www.vjultra.co.uk

White Space  www.whitespace.co.uk

Wookey Hole www.wookey.co.uk

And thanks to all other friends and supporters for their kind donations of scrap materials

Scraptors install more works in Stourhead Sculpture Trail

The Scraptors got very wet and muddy installing Herons in one of the ponds at Six Wells on the National Trust property of Stourhead for the sculpture trail to be in place throughout September. Above is Anthony's Egret meets a creature from the Deep.  Fiona's large scrap steel Heron was a bigger job to install and a great relief when it was in - see images below of both Herons being installed. 

Below is Anthony's Giant Barn Owl Flying and Fiona's Copper Owl in a large dead tree. Paul is going to paint the whole tree to resemble an owl and it reflects the Ancient Greek veneration of owls as symbols of Wisdom. Other owl sculptures  have been placed in the tree by Paul and Rachel. One of the themes of the trail is the classical mythology represented in the artworks in the house and garden of Stourhead. .

Heron in progress

One of our Herons by Fiona - in the making.  Legless and still one-winged!  

With both wings

Hoisted up on high for the legs (+ extensions) to be welded into position

Thanks to John Shepherd Feeders, who have provided the steel base, it should soon be completed.

New work started for the Trail

We have a few forthcoming events booked to show some of our work together, prior to the Stourhead Sculpture Trail.  The Sustainability Show in Taunton (19 June) and Frome Green Fair (10 July) are a couple of them.  Please come and see us there!


Fiona is  embarking on a new set of work for the Stourhead Trail, amongst other venues.  'Heron' is starting to take shape, after sourcing some interesting scrap steel forms for it.  I've rummaged for old tools, clambered over scrap heaps and filled a corner of my garden and studio, thanks to Pylle Motors and friends for kind donations of scrap steel, including a ton of horseshoes!

Still looking for recycled bottle tops, buttons and beads for my planned giant 'Chameleon'.   Made of steel, wire and colourful recycled materials,  it will hopefully be decorative and fun.   It has a few other venues booked, so an exciting Summer ahead!  Mid-construction, 'Chameleon' is due to go on tour to the Salvo Fair, Knebworth (24-26 June), where visitors can watch me making the structure!  The final decorative touches will be added by members of the public, together with me at the Larmer Tree Festival (15 July).  The effect will be hopefully vaguely mosaic and jewel-like (Gaudi-esque with a flavour of African beaded wirework).  The aim is to create further awareness and enjoyment of art and recycling.  'Chameleon' then tours to the Devon Recycled Sculpture Trail '11, and last but very importantly, it will be installed on a mossy fallen tree trunk overlooking one of Stourhead’s lakes.  This features as part of our Sculpture Trail in September entitled “Beyond the Garden Gate”.  Though contemporary in style, it will reflect its surroundings, and be reflected by them.

Any contributions of colourful bottle tops, buttons and beads much appreciated.  Thanks for donations already recieved!  Fiona

The Frogs mock King Heron