Broadleaved plants and mature trees support, frame and enhance a changing collection of contemporary sculpture in this stunning garden.

The Sculpture Garden was the brainchild of owner and original curator Hannah Peschar 40 years ago, and has grown from a handful of sculptures to around 200 pieces exhibited every summer. Artists come from across Britain and Europe to exhibit their work in these breathtaking surroundings, allowing their sculptures to be seen in a whole new way.

The Garden used to be part of a large estate, laid out between 1915 and 1920. Later it was split up and sold in several lots; leaving the 15th Century, grade 2 listed cottage with ten acres of land including a large water and rock garden. The garden fell rapidly into decline after the estate was sold. Over the past 45+ years the garden has been redesigned and replanted by award-winning landscape designer Anthony Paul, who has introduced many large-leaved plants in bold groups, tall grasses and created 3 new ponds. 

At the end of 2015  Hannah Peschar retired to allow a new pairing of curators to add their stamp to the Sculpture Garden. Anthony Paul and curator Vikki Leedham began working together to curate the annual exhibition, giving a new lease of life to the Garden.

The range of works selected by the curators is wide with styles varying from figurative to highly abstract, innovatively using contemporary metals, wire, glass, ceramics and plastics as well as the more traditional stone, wood and bronze. Each sculpture is placed in a carefully considered and meaningful relationship with the garden itself and the other featured works within the garden. The result is an inspired combination of peaceful, enclosed harmony and dramatic, surprise vistas in an ever-changing environment.

Throughout the lifetime of the Sculpture Garden, the overriding theme is the powerful relationship between art and nature. Neither one outshines the other: every piece is placed in harmony with its surrounding to create an amazing synergy within the environment.

Sadly, in 2021, Hannah Peschar herself passed away. Her incredible legacy will not only continue, but will grow and blossom. In 2022, Anthony Paul and Vikki Leedham launched ‘The Indoor Gallery’ - a beautiful custom built exhibiting space within the grounds of the Sculpture Garden.

“I’ve always been interested in art - it rubs off on you, and then you find you can’t live without it.”

- Hannah Peschar, 1939 - 2021