Watch an award-winning RHS Chelsea exhibitor at work as Nicolas Moreton becomes the sculptor-in-residence at Sculpture at Beaulieu this summer.
From Monday 14th – Saturday 19th August, Nicolas will be happy to chat to visitors while he hones his majestic figurative stone carvings in and around the beautiful backdrop of Beaulieu Abbey Cloister.
His residency includes a special out-of-hours evening opening on Thursday 17th August, when visitors can enjoy a more relaxed saunter around the 300 sculptures by 57 internationally and nationally-acclaimed sculptors in Palace House and throughout its stunning grounds and gardens.
New for 2023, Sculpture at Beaulieu will be on show until September 24th for an extended season this summer. Special Thursday evening openings, from 5-8pm, are also offered on a choice of dates during July and August, with a sculpture-only ticket from only £9.
Visitors have caught a first glimpse of Sculpture at Beaulieu since the exhibition, sponsored by luxury chocolatier Charbonnel et Walker and supported by Wilsons Solicitors and Saffery Champness, recently opened to the public. With a diverse range to suit all tastes and budgets, each piece in the collection can be seen in the perfect setting.
James Sutton’s huge Sacrifice, in bronze with a copper circle, is displayed on a grass bank close to the 13th century abbey. Meanwhile, a ‘patchwork’ giant pear made from pieces of stainless steel with inlaid glass mosaic lies beneath the branches of a tree in the grounds.
The show-stopping three-metre tall horse head Mare has been created from 7,000 welded components by Gary Boulton, who lives on the Beaulieu Estate. In his sculpture Nurture, the bodies of a parent and child have been made from hammered, welded and polished stainless steel plates.
Michael Scrimshaw’s incredible The Flying Machine was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings, while his sculpture The Big Man has been complimented by His Majesty King Charles.
Featured sculptors include Ireland’s Sandra Bell with her elegant cast bronze figures, in contrast with Joanne Risley’s explosive-looking Cor-Ten steel Pollen Bomb, Astropod and Virus. Jill Berelowitz’s high-profile bronze, steel and optical resin commissions have been exhibited at Sotheby’s, Heathrow and RHS Chelsea, while fellow South African Jonty Hurwitz is recognised for his pioneering scientifically-inspired artworks and anamorphic sculptures. His red painted copper and stainless steel Rosso Horse will join the more intimate display inside the ancestral Montagu home of Palace House.
New Forest sculptor Michael Turner, who makes a trail of handmade poppies each year in aid of the Royal British Legion, has contributed creatures from a Wild Boar to Manta Ray on Wood to the exhibition.
From steel foxgloves, toadstools, barn owls and hares to coloured glass fish and revolving stained-glass shards, there are more affordable sculptures to grace any garden.
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.”
Building on the success of two previous exhibitions, all sculptures in the 2023 Sculpture at Beaulieu collection are for sale, ranging from £75 to £75,000. A catalogue of the exhibition collection is available to purchase at Beaulieu’s Visitor Reception.
Sculpture at Beaulieu is included in a ticket to Beaulieu, which also gives access to the National Motor Museum with over 285 vehicles telling the story of motoring, the World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Secret Army Exhibition, Little Beaulieu adventure play area, Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House and the grounds and gardens.
For tickets and details visit our Sculpture page or call 01590 612345.