Rolling Stones’ guitarist Ronnie Wood has loaned a new bronze sculpture to Longleat, marking one of his rare ventures into sculpture.
The piece, titled Struggles and Triumphs, is a one-tonne rotating artwork loaned to the Wiltshire estate and now on display in the Secret Garden.
Ronnie Wood, who is also a talented artist, said: "It came about on a whim as I love horses and I completed it in one sitting.
"It was in the foundry for three to six months; they suggested rotating it and I thought, what a brilliant idea.
"This has given me so much enjoyment as I rarely venture into sculpture.
"When I heard it would be in the Secret Garden, I was very excited.
"It was perfect for it."
Ceawlin Thynn, the 8th Marquess of Bath, said: “We are delighted to have it here in Longleat; it is in the Secret Garden in an area which is just perfect for it – it looks like it was made to be there."
His wife, Emma, the 8th Marchioness of Bath, said: "It is beautiful.
"The colours are stunning and will change with the seasons as the light bathing it changes."
The Thynns first met Mr and Mrs Wood through conservation charity Tusk, where both Ronnie and Emma are ambassadors.
Mr Wood’s wife, Sally, created a pink, silver-studded gorilla sculpture that was purchased by Lord and Lady Bath at a Tusk fundraising event.
Mr Wood said: "Longleat is wonderful.
"I got involved with Tusk because I want my kids and other people’s children to be able to see animals such as rhinos, lions, tigers.
"Conservation of these animals is so important to protect them for the future."
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