Arley Hall & Gardens

Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich

Commissioned as part of The Year of the Garden 2008, there are two sculptures in the Grove created by sculptor Rachel Ramchurn. Using Holes as a focal point both these sculptures take the viewer on a journey through The Grove.

Bulb

Inspired by the shapes and forms in the grove garden, this sculpture has a beautifully rounded quality reminiscent of berries and seeds.

There are a range of mushrooms in the Grove and this influence of shape and texture has been developed in 'Bulb' by burning one side of the sculpture.

Contrasting Vistas of the Grove are offered through this deliciously rounded piece. The view is presented in a 'frame', the images you can see, such as the placement of trees, the open spaces and range of colours, against an ever changing sky can be appreciated and considered over the seasons.

Hug
                                                                                                   Inspired by leaves curling in autumn, collected from the grove garden, this sculptural form gently curves down to a contrasting plinth of mossy trunk. Burning the inside of the sculpture contrasts with the light wood edge bringing to life the shape and form of 'Hug' when viewed from afar.

As the viewer looks through the sculpture the intense shapes and forms in the bark of this Oak Tree can be enjoyed and contemplated, bringing into mind the change and growth that all trees go through, indeed all the changes of life itself.

Bulb and Hug  were carved from a Beech Tree that grew in The Big Wood on the Arley Estate and was blown down in a storm.

The plinth for both sculptures has been made from trees fallen on the Arley Estate, growth of moss and mushrooms is encouraged to contrast with the polished smooth surface of the sculpture. It is intended that Bulb and Hug develop and age through time in keeping with the changes that will occur in The Grove.

Rachel has been keeping a blog charting her progress in the commission, to read more click here

Links
rachelramchurn.blogspot.com
http://www.arleyhallandgardens.com/