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Wednesday 6 October 2010

Statue of Orpheus


This magnificent bronze figure on Harewood's Terrace is 'Orpheus' by Astrid Zydower (1930-2005). Added in 1984 when the original statue in this location collapsed, it forms part of a wonderful collection of 20th century art amassed by the present Earl.  Harewood also hosts an ongoing series of exhibitions of contemporary artwork.

Harewood House itself is a Georgian mansion finished in 1771.  Edwin Lascelles, who commissioned it, employed the finest craftsmen in the country - architect Robert Carr, interior designer Robert Adam, furniture maker Thomas Chippendale and garden designer Lancelot (Capability) Brown. (No expense spared!)

The Terrace (also seen on my photo of the House two days ago) was built in the 1840s by Charles Barry (who was the architect of the Houses of Parliament in London).  It is rated one of the most beautiful formal Victorian gardens in England, with fountains, statues and formal flower beds edged with clipped box hedges.  It has lovely views over the surrounding countryside and the lake. (See Paul's blog, Leeds Daily Photo)

As a complete contrast to the stunning bronze above, I also loved this smaller statue in the same garden:


14 comments:

  1. I find the first statue wonderful, but it does not match with the elegant house behind..When I see when it was added, I understand why! :) .the second statue was made for this place, this is obvious!

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  2. A beautiful mansion and a great statue Jenny.
    Have a great day.
    Costas

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  3. Really inviting photographs - another day out sometime in the future to enjoy these gardens.

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  4. Unlike Malyss I LOVE the contrast of modern sculpture and old architecture. Last year Chatsworth House (from the same kind of date as Harewood I think) staged a magnificent sculpture exhibition in the grounds.
    Excellent photo today.

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  5. Another fine Harewood shot. I have not been there for years - a return journey is well overdue.
    Re, Lulu : a couple of people have asked about it so I thought I would devote my post on NfN tomorrow to it. Make sure you catch it. Alan

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  6. I'll have to see if my West Yorkshire friends fancy a rendezvous & day out there sometime. Thanks for inspiring me to return, J

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  7. Powerful sculpture! One of the charms of many old, continuously occupied places is the layers of acquisitions from different eras.

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  8. Two different statues, that is not wrong, a matter of taste. Each of them has its own quality.

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  9. Both the sculpture and the house in the background look prominent. I like the pose of Orpheus holding the animal on his shoulders and arms.

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  10. Two shots of two different but wonderful sculptures. The cat laying on the guy's outstretched arms was wonderful.

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  11. Strength is the word that comes to mind when I see the statue and building behind it. It looks like a lovely place to wander around.

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  12. Very, very different sculpts, for sure! One so masculine; the other so playful.

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  13. The top composition is perfect! Great background for Orpheus!

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  14. Something about the first statue suggests this lady liked what she was sculpting. ;-)

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