Parley sculptor goes international

An artist based on Dorset’s Parley Court estate has chosen to exhibit at the prestigious International Sculpture Festival. Andy Hopper is pictured with his sculpture ‘Interstellar’ – a 7.5ft high stainless steel column that looks as it has visited from outer space.

An artist based on the Parley Court Estate in Dorset has been selected to show his work at the prestigious International Sculpture Festival.

Andy Hopper will join some of the world’s biggest names in the field at the event which is being held on the Channel Island of Guernsey.

It will be opened by the innovative garden creator, the Duchess of Northumberland.

Last year Andy moved onto the Parley estate that is home to the golf centre that has a new course and café-bar which is open to the public.

Since then his pieces have become increasingly popular and he has been made a Fellow for life of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths – one of just 60.

His eye-catching sculptures – including ‘Interstellar’, a 7.5ft high stainless steel column – led to him being chosen to take part in the festival.

There will be 120 pieces displayed from May 17 to the end of October with international collectors attending.

Andy, a trained blacksmith, said: “Originally, I started as a fine artist, but I very naturally fell into forging; my grandfather used to be a blacksmith.

Andy Hopper with some of his creations

“I have now come full circle – I make art with all my forging skills.

“I’ve always been fascinated by metal and have developed a style of sculpture that people respond well to.

“It’s a great privilege to have been selected to display some pieces at the International Sculpture Festival.

“Hopefully it will bring my work to wider attention and lead to sales, which will enable me to create more pieces.”

The festival is being held at Sausmarez Manor in St Martin on Guernsey.

 

 

Notes to editors:

Parley Golf Centre in Dorset is set within a beautiful 800 acre farming estate next to the River Stour close to Bournemouth Airport.

It is home to the 17th century Parley Manor and to Parley Equestrian Centre. Wildlife includes roe deer, badgers, foxes and a pair of rare Grey Partridges. And you are likely to see a family of alpacas roaming around too!

Parley Golf Centre opened in 1991 as a six-hole course, but quickly expanded to nine holes and a 27-bay, floodlit driving range was added.

The has being transformed into a centre of excellence and has doubled its footprint.

The nine-hole course has been rebuilt with carefully configured tees allowing for a round of 18 with a total distance of 5,111 yards.

There is a huge short-game practice area, bunker practice facility as well as a state-of-the-art indoor coaching centre.

Also available several ‘academy’ holes from 50 – 100 yards. The café-bar remains a popular venue for golfers and non-golfers alike.

Head greenkeeper Ian Noble is assisted by Mark Gregory and John Morey.

Resident professionals include Chris Brook, Marcus Urbye, Andrew Pakes and Peter Thompson.

 

For more information contact Ed Baker at Deep South Media on 01202 534487 or 07788392965