SEVEN artists have transformed a woodland garden into an open-air art exhibition at Arley Hall.

The country hall invited the artists to draw inspiration from The Grove before positioning their sculptures amongst the flowering shrubs and exotic trees.

Among the new additions are a life-size stag made of willow, a mosaic butterfly, three greyhounds and a full-size cow with her calf.

Arley’s general manager Steve Hamilton said he hoped the sculptures and art in The Grove would provide a new talking point for visitors.

“All art is subjective, but we hope the pieces will stimulate debate among visual art enthusiasts while others will just marvel at the skill of local craftsmen,” he said.

“We’re delighted with the range and quality of the pieces.”

Angela Sidwell, from Linnards Lane in Wincham, has created two pieces called ‘Flesh and Blood’ – a full-size cow with calf made from wire and potato sacks – and ‘Whistle and I’ll Come to You’ which takes the form of three greyhounds made from wire, fabric and fabric hardener.

“Arley provides an incredible backdrop to my work so it is a great honour to be involved,” she said.

Angela’s artwork will sit alongside work by six other artists who have used metals, glass, sandstone and wood.

Among them is Andrew Worthington, from Kelsall, who has four sculptures on display, which will be seen by thousands of visitors over the summer.

“I have created the sculptures to give the feeling they have always belonged in the garden and have evolved naturally with the landscape,” he said.

There are more than 30 pieces in the exhibition and some are for sale.

Visitors will be given a map of The Grove to guide them around exhibits.

Arley will be hosting the exhibition throughout the summer. As well as The Grove there is also the renowned double herbaceous border – believed to be the first of its kind in England – kitchen and walled gardens and hall.

“The sculptures are an exciting addition and we hope the public support these local artists by visiting and possibly even buying their work,” said Steve Hamilton.

Arley Hall is signposted off the A556 near junction 19 of the M6. For more details go to arleyhallandgardens.com.