Sculpture by the Lakes, the 26 acre sculpture park and botanic garden, nestled near Dorchester, is thrilled to announce Borde Hill as a new partner Garden for 2024. Borde Hill Garden has been an inspiration for horticulturists and artists for generations and this new partnership continues this tradition, celebrating the harmonious synergy between contemporary art and the beauty of nature.

From 9th April 2024, members of both Borde Hill and Sculpture by the Lakes can enjoy complimentary access to each other's gardens as part of their membership benefits. Borde Hill members can explore over 120 works by leading artists in the tranquil setting of Sculpture by the Lakes from February to April and again from August to October. Meanwhile, Sculpture by the Lakes members can experience the splendour of Borde Hill’s botanically-rich landscaped Garden and traditional Parkland anytime throughout its open season (February to December).

To mark the launch of this exciting partnership, Borde Hill is proudly exhibiting four large-scale bronze sculptures by Simon Gudgeon, co-owner of Sculpture by the Lakes and a leading figure in British contemporary sculpture. Strategically placed amidst the Garden’s breathtaking horticultural backdrop, the works embody Simon's distinctive semi-abstract, minimalist style, capturing the spirit of nature and movement with unparalleled visual harmony.

‘Parallel Passé’, inspired by Simon's collaboration with Prima Ballerina, Ksenia Ovsyanick, dances gracefully in the tranquillity of the Garden of Allah, beneath Borde Hill’s rare champion tree, Liriodendron chinense. ‘Luna’, a towering abstract bird looks to the sky on the South Lawn in front of the beautiful Elizabethan House, pays homage to the graceful curves of the ibis.

'Fruit Platter', a larger-than-life interpretation of popular fruits, brings a playful touch to the Garden, making a bold statement set against the backdrop of Borde Hill’s heritage-listed Parkland - while 'Pelicans,' thoughtfully positioned within the formal pond of the Italian Garden, symbolise prosperity in Chinese tradition, with the circular outline of the sculpture mirrored in the tranquil water to create a lucky figure-of-eight shape.

Commenting on the partnership, Jay Goddard (née Stephenson Clarke), Director and 5th generation Family custodian of Borde Hill says: 

“We have a longstanding tradition of celebrating the beauty of the natural world by exhibiting leading art and sculpture across our heritage-listed landscape. Each garden room at Borde Hill offers a unique backdrop for pieces to be displayed, and we are delighted to partner with Sculpture by the Lakes who share our passion for nature and its tranquillity.”

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Monique Gudgeon, Garden Director of Sculpture by the Lakes, added:

“We are delighted to partner with Borde Hill, a destination that shares so many synergies with Sculpture by the Lakes. Borde Hill has an exceptional range of interesting plant species and a gorgeous collection of art that complements its historic site. I have no doubt that our members will thoroughly enjoy a trip to Sussex, and we cannot wait to welcome Borde Hill members to Dorset to experience the serenity of Sculpture by the Lakes too.”