Great opportunity for Yeovil sculptors

Cricket St Thomas Lakes and Gardens near Chard  is searching for a west country sculptor who can produce a  stunning and iconic outdoor  water sculpture as a permanent feature of their restoration project.

Following the opening of the first stage of the new gardens earlier this year,  guests and visitors have been enjoying  the development of a major landscaping project  that truly maximises  the vistas of one of Somerset’s most glorious  valleys.

Originally created in the 19th century by the second Lord Bridport the gardens feature a chain of lakes and cascades, as well as formal ornamental gardens. As part of the restoration the lakes were drained and cleaned and a new water feature created at the entrance to the estate.

To date, around £300,000 has  been invested in the project which has included designs by Chelsea Gold Medal award winner  Kate Gould and a rose garden in the shape of a rose bud.    

The next stage of the project will involve commissioning a sculptor to design and make a water sculpture that will provide a focal point of the valley that can be seen from different viewpoints as guests explore the gardens.

General Manager Ian Gyte said: “ We want to commission a sculptor who can really encapsulate the essence of the landscape and the hotel in something really special and enduring.   We haven’t decided on any particular style or medium but we do want a water feature that will provide a focal point that can be seen and enjoyed by guests as they walk alongside the lakes.   If we can find someone living and working in the West Country who’d like to talk to us about their designs and ideas we’d love to hear from them.  We’re open to suggestions whether it’s traditional, modern  or more natural and organic.”

The restoration of the gardens and lakes marks a new era in the history of the estate, which dates back to the 12th century. 

If you’re a sculptor and would like

to see your work feature as a major part of the landscape project email ian.gyte@bourne-leisure.co.uk with  some examples of your

work and ideas.