Sophie Ryder at Aynhoe Park
Renowned sculptor Sophie Ryder opens her new exhibition at Aynhoe Park, Northamptonshire, on 1st May 2010. Sophie’s large works, which she crafts from metal wire will be on display throughout the grounds and house. The first that will be seen by the visitor is her fifteen foot tall work entitled “The Kiss”which is in the round at the front of this impressive 17th century mansion. “The Kiss”is represented by two clasped hands.
Previously Sophie’s work has been exhibited widely around the world with exhibitions in Canada, the United States, Eire, Belgium and the Netherlands, not to mention in the UK of course.
Many of the works will be available for purchase but there is more to this exhibition than Sophie’s remarkable works. The house itself is a building of architecturale importance as it was remodelled in the early 19th century by the architect Sir John Soane. Soane found fame as a devotee of plasterwork and the house clearly demonstrates this with beautiful domed ceilings, arched hallways and rooms. Owner James Perkins has devoted himself over the last six years to return the internal character of the house back to the way Soane would have wanted it.
For the fortunate visitor it doesn’t stop there. James has aquired over the years the largest private collection of plaster statuary in the world, with over 3,000 pieces. Many of these works are on display in the house and you will be able to see copis of works by Donatello, Michelangelo and others, not to mention a plaster copy of The Elgin Marbles!
Tours of the exhibition and house,(about 4 miles south of Banbury) will be available by pre-arranged booking at a cost of £8.00 per person.
Aynhoe Park, Aynho, OX17 3BQ. Tel 01869 811618
Sophie Ryder exhibition 1st - 28th May 2010
House available all year for tours and other events by pre-arrangement. www.aynhoepark.co.uk