Helmingham Hall's award-winning Gardens will reopen for the 2023 season with a stunning exhibition of outdoor sculpture raising money for the breast cancer charity Art for Cure.
Until the 17th of September, the gardens are set to come alive with the installation of more than 50 sculptures in stone, steel, marble, wood, and a variety of metals.
The outdoor trail will include sculpture from, among others, Suffolk-based Paul Richardson whose work 'Falling Leaves' was previously on display at Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Show, expressive figures by Carol Peace and Beatrice Hoffman, and bronze stags, hares, and dogs by Tanya Russell and Andrew Kay – the latter to be displayed against the fitting backdrop of Helmingham Deer Park.
Sophie Tollemache of Helmingham Hall says “Outdoor sculpture adds a fantastic new layer to the experience of exploring the gardens and it is wonderful that, by hosting Art for Cure, we can offer that as well as help to raise money for such an important charity.”
2023 marks the tenth edition of Art for Cure although it is the first time that it will be taking place at Helmingham. The charity raises money for specific breast cancer research projects and grants funding to support services for those affected by breast cancer in East Anglia. All works on display both indoors and out are offered for sale, with a percentage of proceeds going to Art for Cure.
Visitors on the opening weekend will also gain entry to a three-day exhibition of contemporary paintings and ceramics inside the historic interior of the Hall, usually inaccessible to the public. The Great Hall and the Dining Room of the 500-year-old moated house will be transformed into a gallery space to offset works by over 25 established artists including many local East Anglian creatives.
Artworks on display will include contemporary ceramics from East Anglian artists Laura Hutson, Sophie Cook and Kate Reynolds, alongside figurative paintings by Henrietta Dubrey and the launch of a new collection of works by botanical painter Maria Fletcher.
Art for Cure founder Belinda Gray says “We are thrilled that Helmingham agreed to host this year's exhibition as it really is the perfect setting. We have previously enjoyed events at other Suffolk venues including Somerleyton and Glenham Hall and it is wonderful to return to the county for this year's trail.” Helmingham Hall Gardens to Host Outdoor Sculpture Trail
Alongside the sculpture trail, visitors will also be able to try out the food and drink offering from new Wright's Café at Helmingham Hall. A second outlet for Adam Wright, who already runs an established café in Bury St Edmunds, the café will serve up a range of salads, posh cheese toasties and specialty coffee, alongside cakes, puddings and weekly specials from Helmingham's garden and grounds. Wright's will be housed in the former Coach House which has been fully redesigned and renovated ahead of its grand opening on 29th April alongside the Art for Cure exhibition.
Other visitor improvements at Helmingham for the 2023 season include expanded opening hours and a new car parking area. The Gardens and Wright's Café will open five days per week from Sunday to Thursday inclusive, from 10am to 5pm.