Natural Art in Ilam Park

Look out for natural art sculptures in Ilam Park!

This April, University of Derby Yr2 Fine Art students took part in a 4 day residency at Ilam Park, in the Peak District. 

Using locally found natural materials, the students made artwork in response to the landscape, including hazel coppiced in the Manifold valley, sheep wool and broken china found whilst digging in the Ilam Park.

The project is part of an educational partnership between the National Trust and University of Derby, now in its 14th year. It is a great opportunity for the students to work outside of the studio, use new materials and talk about their work with
members of the public during the process.

The sculptures will evolve with the weather and wildlife over the coming weeks, so we are not sure for how long they will last. 

Huge thanks to the artists, their enthusiasm and respect for the site, there have already been great responses from visitors spotting the sculptures during their walks. 

 
Artists: 
Tracey Harris
Charlotte Jones
Tracey King
Nathan Reddish
Hayley Blackwell
Elyse Bennett
Dan Carlisle
Denis O'Connor   





All of the sculptures are visible from the footpaths. Pick up a free trail map to help you find the sculptures, available from the shop or visitor centre at Ilam Park.


Find out more about  University of Derby

Discover National Trust in the Peak District 

News from Ilam Park

New additions at Ilam Park

On your next visit to Ilam Park, you may notice some new features in the Italian Garden.

Garden volunteer Bob planting Octavia Hill geraniums in the Regency style urns

Having seen some wonderful photographs of Ilam Park taken 100 years ago (from Derby Library) the Ilam Park gardener and volunteers have been working hard to bring back a prominent feature.

With money gifted to the Gardens Department of the National Trust, 8 Regency style stone urns were purchased, similar to those seen in the old photographs. The urns have been planted with a geranium named “Octavia Hill” which had been grown to commemorate the Centenary of the death of the founder of the National Trust.

So next time you are sitting in the Italian Garden admiring the view towards Thorpe Cloud and Dovedale, take a look at our new stone urns!