'Epona's Leap' by Nigel Ross

The 2005 sculpture cross-country fence Epona's Leap, a five-ton oak construction named after the Celtic horse goddess Epona and specially created by Scottish sculptor Nigel Ross.

'Epona's Leap' by Nigel Ross

Nigel Ross a former forester turned sculptor says, "I've always been interested in ancient British culture and in Scotland there are many examples of Celtic and Pictish stones, which have been the inspiration."

The fence is one of the largest works he has created. "The first time I went to Chatsworth the old trees caught my eye; they contain a lot of spirals, a theme I have been working on over the last year. Spirals are a central theme of Pictish art and the oak tree is an important Celtic symbol. And i've named it after Epona, the Celts' goddess of the horse, because it is a sculpture for horses to jump."

'Epona's Leap' with the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and the sculptor Nigel Ross. To print a press release click here

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