Art in the park

In a unique marriage of art and equestrianism the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire have commissioned leading contemporary British artists to produce sculptures for the park, that can also act as fences for the annual International Horse Trials.

These sculpture fences now form a unique element to the cross-country course at Chatsworth. They not only have to fulfil the requirements of a cross-country fence but must also form an original and attractive work of art that blends in with the landscape and provides pleasure for walkers in the park for years to come. It is intended that a new sculpture will be added in most years.

The Duke writes: "My wife and I have a long-standing interest in contemporary sculpture and, with our involvement in horses and eventing, we thought it would be a good idea to combine these interests by commissioning works of art.

When choosing an artist, we look for people who are intrigued by the particular requirements of the commission and who respond positively to the landscape of the park. The exact position, materials and scale of the fence is agreed between the artist and the course-designer so that it becomes a safe, effective - and fascinating -addition to the cross-country course."

The sculptures in the series are:
'Lovers seat' by Alison Crowther | 'The two Graces' by Allen Jones | 'Pegasus' by Tim Harrisson | 'Two column jump' by David Nash | 'Epona's Leap' by Nigel Ross