Fire and sculpture comes to Nymans

Internationally acclaimed French sculptural artist Denis Tricot gently transforms landscapes and buildings across the world with his beautiful, undulating wooden sculptures.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Jan 2014, 10:49 BST
Example of Denis Tricot installation, credit Daniel Petit, med resExample of Denis Tricot installation, credit Daniel Petit, med res
Example of Denis Tricot installation, credit Daniel Petit, med res

Discover his creation at National Trust property Nymans this winter – elegant waves and arches of poplar wood that weave their way across lawns and into the romantic ruins of the house.

To mark the anniversary of the fire that destroyed Nymans - the Messel’s family home – the sculpture will be dramatically set ablaze in darkness on 19 February, accompanied by the haunting and beautiful Hungarian gypsy music of cellist and singer Vania Dombrovszky, in a live concert. This will be a FREE event, offered on a ‘first come first served’ basis to those who book a place in advance by calling 01444 405250.

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“Nymans has a long artistic heritage through its family links to the Messel family, including famous stage designer Oliver Messel and society photographer Lord Snowdon,” said Nymans’ Marketing Officer Lisa Davies. “We felt the Messels might have approved of our ‘fire evening’; they were incredibly creative and innovative, so a ceremonial burning on the anniversary of the house fire may well have appealed to their sense of drama and theatre. It’ll look spectacular.”

Wells the butler rescues furniture from the blazing house - Nymans, 19 Feb 1947Wells the butler rescues furniture from the blazing house - Nymans, 19 Feb 1947
Wells the butler rescues furniture from the blazing house - Nymans, 19 Feb 1947

Inspired by the architecture that surrounds them, Tricot’s sculptures forge pathways of flowing curves, gently turning familiar sites into temporary art galleries: ‘sculpting the air’ as Denis Tricot himself calls it. This latest creation is Tricot’s interpretation of the story of Nymans.

The installation, created in partnership with ArtsAgenda, is one of the first pilot projects being undertaken by the National Trust in the South-East, funded by Art Council England’s Outdoor Arts initiative.

“Thousands of visitors are welcomed to National Trust properties over the winter months, many coming to enjoy walks in some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes,” said National Trust Assistant Regional Director Alison Evans. “It’s lovely to be able to offer them original, intriguing outdoor experiences at this time of year.”

Fire and Sculpture installation: 11 January to 19 February.

Nymans - house, with daffodils in foreground, credit National Trust Images, David LevensonNymans - house, with daffodils in foreground, credit National Trust Images, David Levenson
Nymans - house, with daffodils in foreground, credit National Trust Images, David Levenson
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‘Duo du Feu’ fire and music event: 19 February, 6.30pm. FREE EVENT, but places offered on a ‘first come first served’ basis by booking on 01444 405250. For further information visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans/visitor-information.

Pictures of previous Tricot installations not taken at Nymans.

Report and pictures contributed by Nymans.

Related topics:FireNational Trust