Art teacher’s latest sculpture for the region is sphere to stay

Simon Brook, the head of art at Ashville College, was chosen by staff at the Royal Horticultural Society’s gardens at Harlow Carr to create the spherical monument to stand in the Alpine Zone.

The sphere that Mr Brook created, which took six weeks to complete, is made of Yorkshire sand stone and is intended to create a focal point as visitors walk into the area at the gardens, on the outskirts of Harrogate.

Mr Brook said: “It was a real honour being commissioned to create this sculpture for RHS Gardens Harlow Carr.

“The form of the sculpture is intended to mirror the natural forms some alpines have.

“They approached me after seeing my giant story teller’s chair which I built in stone for the Studfold Farm children’s nature trail.” RHS Gardens Harlow Carr’s curator, Elizabeth Balmforth, added: “The shape and visual impact of Simon’s sculpture really does lift the whole area, particularly within the Alpine House itself.

“It will sit so well amidst the new planting in the raised beds.”

RHS Harlow Carr’s collection of alpines, many of which are under threat in their native habitats, includes more than 2,000 different plants.

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