Natural and reclaimed materials make up 30 unique creations at Darts Farm near Topsham

Great British Life: Watch out for these willow hares by Victoria Westaway. Photo: Darts FarmWatch out for these willow hares by Victoria Westaway. Photo: Darts Farm (Image: Photo: Darts Farm)

Amazing sculptures made from natural and reclaimed materials have gone on display in a free artistic trail at one of Devon’s best-known farm shops.

Darts Farm, just outside Topsham, is collaborating with talented sculptors whose work can be seen on a trail weaving round the farm and nearby wetlands.

Thirty incredible works of art are on show, featuring willow and wire, driftwood and iron.

Great British Life: Your Guardian Angel / Angel of the South by Brendan Rawlings. This work was was crafted using driftwood that had washed up on Budleigh Salterton beach Photo: Darts FarmYour Guardian Angel / Angel of the South by Brendan Rawlings. This work was was crafted using driftwood that had washed up on Budleigh Salterton beach Photo: Darts Farm (Image: Photo: Darts Farm)

With many shows and events cancelled this year and galleries still struggling to open, artists have lost nearly all routes to market during the coronavirus pandemic. But behind the scenes artists have been keeping busy. The sculptures are on display until 13 September.

Michael Dart, director of Darts Farm, says: “Being able to support our incredible artists in this difficult time is such a brilliant feeling. They all share our passion for working sustainably with our environment, creating unique handmade sculptures out of natural or reclaimed materials, that compliment the outdoors and enrich the natural surroundings. It’s perfect for individuals, couples and families and a great way to get outside in the fresh Devon air and reconnect with nature.”

Sculptor Brendan Rawlings, whose work features in the trail, says: “We’re really grateful to Darts Farm for organising this event. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the public to see our work. I’m proud to be exhibiting with such an amazing line up of artists such as Dominic Clare, Victoria Westaway, Jane Clift, Bob Budd, Matt Coe, Ama Manec and Allan Poxto. We really hope the public will enjoy this unique exhibition in such a beautiful setting.”

Great British Life: Dominic Clare with Diva. Dominic creates incredible sculptures from wood, steel and occasionally slate. Using a unique method, he shot blasts and burns the wood, exposing the grain by blowing away the soft summer growth. Photo: Darts FarmDominic Clare with Diva. Dominic creates incredible sculptures from wood, steel and occasionally slate. Using a unique method, he shot blasts and burns the wood, exposing the grain by blowing away the soft summer growth. Photo: Darts Farm (Image: Photo: Darts Farm)

The Darts Farm Sculpture Trail is a free event. Visitors can collect a map and information sheet at the courtyard entrance.

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Great British Life: Willow Reader by Victoria Westaway. Victoria hand crafts her unique, elegant sculptures in Cullompton. Inspired by our beautiful Devon countryside, her willow and wire designs are crafted to compliment the great outdoors and enrich the natural surroundings.. Photo: Darts FarmWillow Reader by Victoria Westaway. Victoria hand crafts her unique, elegant sculptures in Cullompton. Inspired by our beautiful Devon countryside, her willow and wire designs are crafted to compliment the great outdoors and enrich the natural surroundings.. Photo: Darts Farm (Image: Photo: Darts Farm)

Great British Life: Barn Owl ‘On The Hunt by Brendan Rawlings can be seen on the Darts Farm Sculpture Trail. Photo: Darts FarmBarn Owl ‘On The Hunt by Brendan Rawlings can be seen on the Darts Farm Sculpture Trail. Photo: Darts Farm (Image: Photo: Darts Farm)