Wild Africa meets English country garden in Cheshire

Dylan Lewis, one of the world's foremost sculptors of the animal form, with one of his creations at Arley Hall & Gardens. Picture by Nick Jones.

The statues of African big cats – by South African artist Dylan Lewis – are on display around Arley’s famous double herbaceous borders, ilex columns, walled garden and outside the entrance to the Hall.

They will be on view to the public until June 5.

Chris Beardshaw, who will attend Arley’s Garden Festival on June 25 and 26, said: "Arley’s gardens are spectacular at this time of year and they provide a great stage in which to have an exciting exhibition such as this.”

More than 20 works by Dylan Lewis, one of the world'sforemost sculptors of the animal form, are being exhibited at Arley – the first time he has shown his work outside of London.

"I was looking for a contrast between the wild African animals
of my sculptures and a beautiful English country garden and I think the effect is magnificent. It is a huge privilege to be able
to exhibit my sculptures here,” said Dylan.

Christie’s will be auctioning the collection in London on
June 16.

Lord Ashbrook, whose family has owned the Arley Estate for more than 500 years, said: "We are absolutely thrilled that Christie’s has chosen Arley for this rare viewing of such important artworks.

"It is a particular honour for us to host the Dylan Lewis exhibition as I know Christie’s had the choice of many other fantastic gardens in the region.

"They look very striking against the backdrop of the gardens and will really give our visitors another dimension to a day at Arley.”

North West Director for Christie’s Jane Blood said: "The captivating beauty of the gardens at Arley Hall and their accessibility to towns historically connected with the arts make them the perfect setting for Christie’s May exhibition.

"Dylan Lewis always dreamed of being able to hold his own exhibition in an English garden, and he is thrilled with Arley.”