Top 6 Must-See Sculptures at Britain's Stately Homes
Explore the iconic sculptures that grace Britain’s most magnificent heritage homes, from neoclassical masterpieces to contemporary works of art. These extraordinary pieces, nestled within the stunning settings of stately homes like Lamport Hall and Rockingham Castle, are must-visit attractions for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Lamport Hall
Laurent Delvaux, Child on Cushion, (1696 - 1778), Marble
Laurent Delvaux (1696–1778) was a renowned Flemish sculptor who masterfully bridged Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Trained in Ghent and Brussels, he later worked in London on notable funerary monuments before studying classical art in Rome. Returning to the Austrian Netherlands in 1733, Delvaux became a court sculptor, receiving prestigious commissions from both religious institutions and royalty, including Prince Charles de Lorraine. His exquisite sculptures, crafted in marble and terracotta, can be admired in many Belgian churches and museums. Notice how the sculptor skillfully transforms marble to mimic the softness of the child’s flesh, as he appears to gently sink into the seemingly plush cushion.
Antonio Canova, Paris, (1757-1822), Marble
Antonio Canova was a master of Neoclassical sculpture, famed for his lifelike marble works that revived classical beauty. His iconic pieces, like ‘The Three Graces’ and ‘Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss’, set the standard for 18th and 19th-century European art. He was a master at manipulating stone to emulate life, as seen in this bust.Antonio Canova’s sculpture of Paris captures a youthful elegance with soft features and gentle curls beneath his helmet. His subtle head turn and delicate details showcase Canova's mastery of understated beauty, making this piece a quiet yet powerful expression of classical artistry.
Giovanni Battista Foggini, Diana and the Hounds, 19th Century, Marble
This sculpture is a must-see in person to truly appreciate its exceptional craftsmanship. Though Foggini may not be as famous as other Florentine sculptors, this work is a standout. Despite its small scale, Foggini masterfully smooths the marble, allowing Diana’s gown to gracefully accentuate her divine form as it drapes over her body, leading our eye around the sculpture. Meanwhile Cupid, depicted as a child, climbs through her legs, emphasizing her womanly fertility.
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Sudeley Castle
Catherine Parr’s Tomb
Henry VIII’s sixth and final wife, Catherine Parr, is buried at Sudeley Castle, but her body did not rest in peace. Nearly 200 years after her death, her remains were discovered and desecrated—first by curious onlookers who cut into her coffin, and later by vandals who exposed her body to the elements, hastening its decay. Even after reburial, her remains were repeatedly disturbed, showing a tragic lack of respect for the queen. It wasn’t until 1863 that George Gilbert Scott restored the chapel, creating a magnificent marble tomb and effigy to honour her properly.
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Rockingham Castle
Cara Waasenberg, Riverbed Waterfall, Copper, 2014
If modern art is your vibe, Cara Wassenberg’s Riverbed Waterfall at Rockingham Castle is a must-see. Crafted from copper, the sculpture allows water to cascade around its protruding rocks, mimicking the hidden flow of a riverbed. Its timeless subject matter, modern style and traditional setting creates a wonderful amalgamation of past, present and future. It is said to be incredibly meditative - why not go experience it for yourself?
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Newby Hall Sculpture Park
Newby Hall’s renowned sculpture park is returning for ‘Newby25’ in 2025.
We’re eagerly looking forward to the 2025 reopening of Newby Hall’s sculpture park, where contemporary works by renowned and emerging contemporary artists will be beautifully showcased. Set within the woodland and riverside gardens, these diverse sculptures will blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, offering visitors a unique and inspiring experience that celebrates both art and nature.
Violet's Favourite:
Recumbent Figure of Lord Haddon, Violet Duchess of Rutland (1894-1934)
“Henry and Violet, the 8th Duke and Duchess of Rutland, faced an unimaginable tragedy when they lost their eldest son, Lord Haddon. Violet’s true prowess lay in her ability to capture the essence of people in portraits, but her most poignant creation was this effigy. With minimal sculpture training, she embarked on a 40-year journey of devotion to create it. Whenever I see it, I feel emotional. The sculpture depicts Lord Haddon at peace, with closed eyes and billowing robes draped around his small form. I can’t help but visualise Violet, in the throes of grief, meticulously chiselling away. To me, this is her greatest work–a pro- found study of grief and an expression of her commitment to ensure Lord Haddon is never forgotten. Her dedication is palpable and transcends the boundaries of artistic talent. Her son may not have had the chance to carve out a name for himself, but he will be forever etched in memory through Violet’s creation.” (Violet Manners, Country Life, January 10, 2024)
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