Kentish Express Ashford & District
Sculptor to unveil historic garden’s new marble statue
mmilehamchappell@thekmgroup.co.uk A popular historic garden will unveil its new statue next month, but until then what it looks like is being kept under wraps.
Godinton House and Gardens at last have a suitable replacement for two lead statues which were stolen from the garden in 2013.
The new piece, called Tempesta, by Emily Young, will be unveiled on Friday, March 10.
After much research, the trustees at Godinton bought the bold, marble piece which appears partly classical in origin, but the clarity of the facial features merge into rough rock which is typical of the sculptor’s work.
Emily, who was acclaimed as “Britain’s greatest living stone sculptor” by the Financial Times in 2013, will travel from her home in Italy for its unveiling and will give a short presentation on the history and inspiration behind Tempesta.
Each of her sculptures have a unique character formed by each individual stone’s geological history and geographic source.
Emily said: “When I sculpt, I like to leave some surfaces raw and untouched. Nature is the greatest teacher…the greatest artist.”
The huge marble block it was made from was salvaged from a long abandoned quarry in Tuscany.
Nick Sandford, Godinton estate manager, said: “It was decided that rather than try to purchase two new garden scupltures it would be better to have a very good contemporary piece of sculpture in the garden to keep the garden alive and create new interest.
“In some ways a modern piece can fit into an historic garden.”
The gardens open daily from Wednesday, March 1 to November 1 from 1pm until 6pm. Entry is £5 for adults, children under 16 free.
For more information visit www.godintonhouse.co.uk or call 01233 643854.