Zim sculpture exhibition at Knebworth

BEAUTIFUL Zimbabwean stone sculptures are on display at the gardens at Knebworth House as part of the Zimsculpt Exhibition running until July 31.

Knebworth is famous worldwide for its rock concerts and as the home of Victorian novelist Edward Bulwer Lytton - author of the words "The pen is mightier than the sword". From Charles Dickens to Robbie Williams, Knebworth House has welcomed some of the most famous people in history.

”The sculptures are set on plinths and have been placed in Knebworth gardens to excite and delight all those who visit,” said a local newspaper report

Zimbabwean sculptors are also in residence and can be seen working on new sculptures. They will also hold daily workshops were they can interact with visitors to the Gardens.

Knebworth's managing director, Martha Lytton-Cobbold, said: "We feel privileged to host an exhibition of this highly-acclaimed spiritual and yet truly contemporary artwork.

"It is quite thought-provoking that these sculptors are producing such inspiring work despite the political unrest in their country."

Most of the pieces being exhibited will be on sale (from around £3 to £15,000) and five per cent of all sales are donated by Zimsculpt to the Zimbabwean charity Inter-Country People's Aid.

The exhibition will visit six sites across the UK this year, including The Grand Designs Live event at Excel in London and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

A spokeswoman for the exhibition said: "This is no ordinary sculpture exhibition. The artists have captured feelings of love, tenderness and compassion in a seemingly 'hard' medium and the outdoor setting complements their work and sets it off to perfection."

[For further details, contact the estate office, Knebworth House, Knebworth, SG3 6PY, UK +44(0)1438 812661 or visit www.knebworthhouse.com]