Artists Mike De Butts, Harriet Lumby and Alex Rinsler have created a series of giant animal sculptures made from hay and straw for a new outdoor feature at Longleat.
The trio designed the collection of eight sculptures representing the UK’s most iconic nocturnal native wildlife specifically for a new exhibition at the Wiltshire estate celebrating ‘Under the Moon’ which celebrates the mysterious world of animals after dark.
The sculptures, which are up to three-metres tall include figures of an owl, fox, mole, badger and hedgehog alongside a toad, snail and a spider.
Made from straw, they’re supported by an interior frame of steel rod and wire.
“We try to make responsible decisions about how we go about making something and what we make it from, often opting for the harder route if it means a lower impact on the environment,” said Harriet, who co-runs the creative company Loop.
Mike is part of Shipshape Arts, a Nottinghamshire-based artistic creation company renowned for their large scale public art sculptures, some over 12 metres in height, that they have installed all over the UK, and internationally.
With backgrounds in set design and fabrication, prop making, digital projection and AV integration, scenic painting and set dressing, Mike, Harriet and Alex have worked with a range of high-profile clients including the Royal Horticultural Society, Virgin Atlantic and Elle.
In addition to the straw sculptures, Under the Moon, which runs until 12th September, showcases the mysterious world of nocturnal animals and the key role our lunar neighbour plays in all our lives.
Set in and around the Wiltshire attraction’s purpose-built Longhouse exhibition area, the new display also features a giant six-metre suspended replica of the moon and living creatures that glow under UV light.
