‘Lowarnes’ has landed at The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Redruth, Cornwall — a six-metre {19.7 feet} vixen fox that leaps through the Georgian Ride Woodland.
It is crafted from 600 pieces of russet wood reclaimed from a 150-year-old rhododendron tree felled by Storm Darragh on the estate in December 2024.
It was sculpted by Sue and Pete Hill with Hal Silvester, she honours Heligan’s wild heart and poetic soul. Sue and Pete are also the artists behind the beloved Mud Maid and Giant’s Head
Laura Smit-Chesterfield, director of visitor experience at the gardens, said the sculpture was “a glorious celebration of Heligan’s wildlife”.
The tree predated World War One, a spokesperson said.
As the wood ages, it is expected to fade to a lighter, silvery tone, reflecting the change in a real vixen’s fur after she has become a mother.
The sculpture is accompanied by a collection of Heligan-inspired poetry from poet laureate Simon Armitage, with both works “highlighting and celebrating the wildlife who make Heligan their home”.
Ms Hill said Armitage’s poem, Den, “speaks so powerfully of the wild, feral nature of foxes”.
She said a photograph of a pouncing fox taken on the Heligan estate by Andy Wilson was the artists’ “core inspiration”.
“Lowarnes has her gaze set on you as her prey,” she added.
Reference BBC Cornwall.
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