"Here, there is a peacefulness. I never would have imagined I would come to a place like this to build a sculpture..."
Dana Albany, artist, on Chatsworth

A short film has been released that explores the creation of a mesmerising new sculpture on site at Chatsworth from the artist's viewpoint. The film was commissioned by Sotheby's and made by Sara Moralioglu.

Coralee, by US artist Dana Albany, is a shimmering Mermaid and one of three new collaborative pieces on display as part of Radical Horizons: The Art of Burning Man at Chatsworth

Staged in partnership with Burning Man - an annual event in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada USA that celebrates art, community and self expression - the outdoor exhibition features a total of twelve monumental sculptures set amidst the glorious parkland surrounding Chatsworth House.  

Eight of the twelve sculptures are existing pieces on display in the UK for the first time. Four brand new works of art have been constructed at Chatsworth, three of which were created with the help of local schoolchildren and community groups.

Coralee was crafted by Dana Albany with fellow artist Flash Hopkins and children from Spire Junior School in Chesterfield. The shimmering Mermaid is inspired by the local folklore of Mermaid's Pond at Kinder Scout in the High Peak and is constructed from recycled glass and steel alongside everyday materials that have been given new purpose, including spoons, bolts, keys, chandeliers and even bicycle chains. 

Coralee is a popular new addition to the exhibition, with one visitor describing her as "..memorably beautiful. We admired her for a long time."

Chatsworth and Burning Man were introduced by Sotheby’s, who saw a synergy between the two organisations in their commitments to creativity and community.

Radical Horizons is at Chatsworth until 1 October. The sculptures are located throughout Chatsworth's free-to-access parkland*. Parking charges apply or you can visit Chatsworth by public transport.

Our digital guide contains an interactive map of the exhibition and an audio introduction from the artists, or you can view a pdf map here.

*Please note that during the Chatsworth Country Fair (2-4 September), the exhibition will only be accessible with a country fair ticket.

About Dana Albany

Dana Albany is a prolific Bay Area artist who produces and fabricates large-scale sculptures, museum exhibits and interactive installations. Originating from a collage of recycled materials, Albany's work reclaims our scraps and discarded objects to re-imagine meaning. She has created and exhibited for Burning Man, the de Young Museum of Art and the Exploratorium, amongst others.

About Mermaid's Pool

Mermaid's Pool is a small pool situated on Kinder Scout below Kinder Downfall in the High Peaks. The site was thought to be popular for Celtic water worship rituals as the water is unusually salinated and appears bottomless. Legend has it that if you look into the waters at sunrise on Easter Saturday you may catch a glimpse of a beautiful Mermaid who will grant you immortality. Alternatively, she may drag you down into the murky depths below never to be seen again. The water was also believed to offer healing qualities, for those willing to risk bathing in it.

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