Create Impact in Your Garden with a Stunning Sculpture!
The Romans were the first Europeans to use statuary ornamentally in their
homes and gardens
, often plundering sacred pieces from Greek temples to create a look that was full of drama and interest to the viewer. With the revival of Classicism in the 18th century, gardens were filled with statuary fraught with metaphor, such as the Temple of the British Worthies, which looks up the hill at Stowe, Gloucestershire, to the "wise forbears" in the Temple of Ancient Virtue .
The 19th century saw a taste for the sentimental (weeping girls and fauns pierced by arrows), while in the 20th century there was a move from the straightforwardly representational or metaphorical to the abstract. Today, garden sculptures range from the Classical and the contemporary to pieces inspired by
Eastern Culture
. Whatever style appeals, to create a successful display, the setting is as important as the sculpture itself.
Choosing your sculpture
Good-quality sculpture can cost as little as £175 for a ready-made piece, although commissioned work can run into thousands. In addition to price, when choosing a sculpture consider whether you want natural materials which tend to acquire an attractive patina, or man-made. Then think about whether you want the piece to
harmonise
with your surroundings or provide contrast, and finally about the plinth.
Scale is important, too. In a large garden, you would not want a piece so small that it dwindles to insignificance. Conversely, while a big piece has impact in a small garden you would not want it to dominate. Simplicity and restraint are the key: one
good piece
, well sited, looks better than several dotted around at random. Ideally, try to see domestic gardens featuring other work by your chosen sculptor or company to get ideas about positioning and to ensure the style suits your garden before you buy or commission.
In terms of effect, do you want a Classical piece to draw the eye down an avenue of trees or shrubs, or a work that is modern and abstract? Maybe you want to introduce humour or play with scale. Do you want the sculpture to have
visual impact
, be functional or quirky?
Generally, statues are best seen in isolation rather than among busy plantings, but they can be enhanced by a swirl of ivy around the plinth or set against the dark green of a yew hedge. A smaller Classical piece looks good on a cushion of 'Soleirolia soleirolii'. A bust on a
wall panel
can be surrounded by greenery such as evergreen jasmine or the leaves of 'Melianthus major' with summer colour from coming from the bell-like flowers of abutilon.
For a contrast of textures an abstract metal sculpture set among a tall, feathery grass such as 'Stipa gigantea' creates a pleasing look.
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