Look snappy... animal sculptures on show

Critically-acclaimed willow sculptor Emma Stothard, 39, has been a popular and regular exhibitor at Newby Hall’s highly regarded annual sculpture show for the past nine years after she was befriended by hall owner Lucinda Compton.

Her subject matter includes animals, birds and figures which she creates by studying the subject matter through sketches, drawings and photography.

Lobster Quadrille is a delightful array of 15 life-sized animal sculptures, from the quirky Parliament of Hares to the Bouquet of Roosting Pheasants, which will form the basis of the exhibition, with her inspiration for these sculptures specifically linked to the magnificent formal gardens setting at Newby Hall.

The sculptures will be supported by an indoor display of her artwork and smaller silver wire pieces in display cases.

The technique she uses is to soak the willow to make it pliable; it is then intensely interwoven and shaped around a metal armature or framework.

Finally the piece is coated in linseed oil and an exterior finish to preserve and protect it.

Inspiration for her work surrounds her, whether it comes from the working rural environment of the rugged North York Moors, protected woodlands or the powerful forces of the North Sea.

Mrs Stothard was born in Kingston-upon Hull and now lives in Whitby.

She said: “I am very much looking forward to this exhibition.

“The centre piece will be the pair of dancing lobsters but there is much more besides in the gardens to enjoy including a bouquet of roosting pheasants with a sly fox eyeing them up.

“Visitors may also stumble across a bevy of deer.”

Lobster Quadrille opened this week and runs until September 25.