Helmingham Hall Gardens
Description
NEW OUTDOOR SCULPTURE EXHIBITION:
DAVID HARBER AT HELMINGHAM
– Collection of works by British craftsman and sculptor David Harber to be exhibited at Helmingham Hall Gardens from May to September 2024
The spectacular Grade I listed gardens at Helmingham Hall, Suffolk, will reopen on Wednesday 1st May, five days per week through to 30th September (closed Fridays and Saturdays).
Throughout the 2024 season, the gardens will host David Harber at Helmingham, a curated collection of large-scale pieces in copper, bronze, stone and steel by one of the UK’s leading garden sculptors. It will be the only public exhibition of his works in the UK this summer.
Each sculpture has been carefully selected by the team at David Harber in collaboration with the Tollemache family at Helmingham Hall to reflect and enhance specific areas of the gardens.
From Geminus, an elaborate verdigris bronze finished with gold leaf that will sit in the Knot Garden, to the convex curves of polished steel Torus reflecting the sky and moat, the visitor experience will be amplified with new perspectives and the relationship between each sculpture and its location.
Inspired by nature, reflection and light, David uses contemporary design to create sculptures, sundials and water features that interact with the environment. His classic and bespoke designs have been commissioned by private, corporate and public clients around the world.
David Harber, based in Oxfordshire where every commission is handmade, is an eight-time winner of the RHS Chelsea trade stand trophy, awarded for excellence of presentation at the annual horticultural show.
Sophie Tollemache, who lives at Helmingham Hall with her husband Edward and their children, said “I was introduced to David’s exquisite sculptures by my mother-in-law Xa, who in her work as a garden designer has introduced them into client’s gardens and seen their immediate and enchanting impact. We are so looking forward to seeing David’s sculptures transform their locations in the Helmingham gardens throughout this spring and summer”.’
David Harber said: “There is a time and a place for everything – now is the time and this is the place. I have known and worked with Xa and Sophie Tollemache for many years but never dreamt I would have the opportunity to show my works in what must be one of England’s truly great gardens. What an extraordinarily beautiful place!”
David Harber at Helmingham runs from 1st May to 30th September. Gardens are open Sunday to Thursday inclusive, 10am – 5pm. Tickets from £9 (children £4.50, under 5s free). Book online at helmingham.com
Helmingham Hall Gardens are open seasonally from May to September, five days per week Sunday through Thursday including Bank Holidays from 10am to 5pm.
Grade 1 listed and redeveloped over 40 years by Chelsea Gold Medal winner Xa Tollemache, the gardens include a parterre, walled kitchen garden, ancient Apple Walk, two rose gardens, topiary, wildflower and woodland gardens and a variety of borders planted to bloom across the full opening period.
Wright’s Café is open alongside the Gardens, as well as the Shop. Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome.
