Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood has loaned a one-tonne bronze sculpture to Longleat in Wiltshire, adding another historic chapter to the estate’s illustrious heritage.
Called ‘Struggles and Triumphs’, the rotating figure was created in a foundry from an original, smaller piece created by Ronnie in one afternoon.
“It came about on a whim as I love horses and I completed it in one sitting,” he said, “it was in the foundry for three to six months; they suggested rotating it, and I thought what a brilliant idea.”
Ceawlin Thynn, the 8th Marquess of Bath, said, “We are delighted to have it here in Longleat; it is in the Secret Garden in an area which is just perfect for it – it looks like it was made to be there.
Ronnie, who is renowned for his art as well as his music, said, “When I heard it would be in the Secret Garden, I was very excited. It was perfect for it. It means a lot to have it here at Longleat; it’s another bit of history in this environment.
“This has given me so much enjoyment as I rarely venture into sculpture.”
Emma, the 8th Marchioness, said: “It is beautiful. The colours are stunning and will change with the seasons as the light bathing it changes."
A pink silver-studded gorilla created by Ronnie’s wife, Sally, was bought by Lord and Lady Bath at a Tusk fundraising event, which is how the two couples first met, as both Ronnie and Emma are ambassadors for the conservation charity.
Ronnie said, “Longleat is wonderful. I got involved with Tusk because I want my kids and other people’s children to be able to see animals such as rhinos, lions, and tigers.
Conservation of these animals is so important to protect them for the future.”
Conservation remains central to Longleat’s mission. It opened the first Drive-Through Safari Park outside of Africa in 1966, and a host of events are being held this year to mark the 60th anniversary.
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