One of my favourite things about the Gardens at Knebworth House is the wood sculptures created by local chainsaw artists Dennis Heath and Dave Flemons. In return for a corner of the Park in which to do their beautiful work, every year Dennis and Dave contribute a sculpture or two to the Gardens. Usually, there is a tree that has passed away or fallen during the year. We look at what is left of the trunk and design something that reflects a theme from a Knebworth House or Lytton family story. This year there are three beautiful new sculptures: the mother of the muses, Memory, watching over the four of her daughters that inspired Edward Bulwer Lytton; a huntsman with a rose wooing Snow White (who lived with the seven Kobolds); and my favourite of all, a little girl sitting cross-legged in the orchard lost in the magical world of the book on her lap. Fantastic work, Dennis and Dave – these beautiful 2014 additions to the Gardens will be much treasured!
Henry Lytton Cobbold
www.knebworthhouse.com