Sayart.net - Giant Orange Mole Sculpture Appears at Peak District National Trust Property

A massive 13-foot orange mole sculpture has appeared on the pristine lawns of a National Trust property in England's Peak District, creating an eye-catching addition to the historic landscape. The sculpture, named Pepperpot, stands prominently in Ilam Park in Staffordshire and will remain on display until November 2nd. The artwork is situated amid the scenic backdrop of Thorpe Cloud and the YHA Ilam Hall youth hostel, offering visitors spectacular views of the surrounding Peak District countryside. Artist Bruce Asbestos from Nottingham created the giant mole after drawing inspiration from the park's natural landscape during his visit. "As I was looking at Thorpe Cloud, it reminded me of a giant molehill, and that was the starting point for my latest character, Pepperpot the Mole," Asbestos explained. The artist, who is known for exploring themes of community, friendship, and human connection in his work, has previously exhibited at prestigious venues including London's Tate Modern. Asbestos described his excitement about working in such a grand setting, saying, "It's exciting for me to come to this very grand and imposing landscape and look at how I might respond to it in a completely different way. The first thing I noticed when I arrived at Ilam Park was the iconic view of Thorpe Cloud, the flat-topped hill that you can see in the distance." The artist emphasized his goal of bringing joy to the space, adding, "For me it's also about trying to pull out the fun from the space, and I wanted to create something that encapsulated that." The National Trust hopes the installation will help connect visitors to the park's rich historic landscape through contemporary art. Ilam Park attracts more than 120,000 visitors annually and is located in a picturesque valley on the border between Derbyshire and Staffordshire. The stunning views of the surrounding countryside have inspired artists for centuries, including being featured on a Wedgwood plate created for Empress Catherine the Great of Russia in the 1770s. Craig Best, the site's general manager, expressed hope that the sculpture would encourage both children and adults to explore their own creativity. The installation is accompanied by the "Mole Hole" program, which has been funded by Arts Council England. This comprehensive program includes a family adventure trail and children's craft workshops running throughout the summer months. Ilam Park offers visitors a variety of attractions beyond the sculpture, including the historic Ilam Hall, which currently operates as a youth hostel, ornate Italian gardens, expansive parkland, a tea room, and a bookshop. The property has also recently completed a one-kilometer loop of accessible pathways around the grounds, making the area more welcoming to visitors with mobility needs. The temporary art installation represents a unique blend of contemporary creativity and historic preservation, allowing visitors to experience the Peak District's natural beauty through a fresh, playful perspective while maintaining the area's cultural significance.