A first of its kind event bringing together some 200 pieces in one of the UK’s largest sculpture exhibitions has secured sponsorship from three high-end businesses.

‘FORM – The Sculpture Exhibition and The Garden Festival’ takes place at Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington Lakes, near Dorchester, from March 30 to May 16.

It is expected to safely draw around 14,000 visitors, including high net worth art collectors and buyers looking to take advantage of the rare opportunity to view such a variety of pieces in a natural setting.

The artworks range in price from £1,000 to £300,000.

They will be installed across the sculpture park’s 26-acres of lakes, rivers, gardens, and woodlands, and in its three gallery spaces.

Silverlake, a luxury holiday home development at Warmwell; Candide, an online gardening community, knowledge bank and store, and DOMVS, the Dorchester estate agency specialising in high worth properties, are acting as partners for the event.

Simon Gudgeon, Owner of Sculpture by the Lakes and creator of FORM – The Sculpture Exhibition, pictured with his wife Monique, said: “I am so pleased to be working with these fantastic businesses which share many of our values and will be relevant to our visitor-base for this event.

“With their support, we are looking forward to making FORM every bit as spectacular as we have envisioned.”

Silverlake, a nature reserve with eco-holiday homes created at the site of former RAF Warmwell by Habitat First Group, was particularly keen to support the event.

The company recently launched a competition to design a sculpture to be installed at its lakeside holiday development, with Simon Gudgeon among the judges.

Red Paxton, Habitat First Group Director, said: “This year the Habitat First Group will be celebrating its 25^th anniversary and this sculpture competition will form part of our year-long celebrations.

“We were doubly quick to seize upon this opportunity to work with Sculpture by the Lakes.

“Simon shares our ethos around protecting and working in harmony with nature, and both he, and so many of the artists involved, are devoted to celebrating wildlife and the natural world.

“We are extremely proud to be part of this exciting event.”

Polly Greenway, Director of DOMVS, which works in association with Fine & Country,  said: “We’re incredibly passionate about our beautiful county and proud to partner with independent Dorset businesses who share that passion and represent the best Dorset has to offer.

“Sculpture by the Lakes is just such a business.

“We’re thrilled to be backing this sculpture event, which we know is going to appeal to our clients and buyers alike.”

Alongside FORM – The Sculpture Exhibition, will be The Garden Festival, taking place in the final week from May 12 to 16.

The five-day event will have more than 30 exhibitors, featuring everything to do with the garden, from plants to garden furniture.

Alongside the exhibits will be expert talks and tours of the park with its botanic and kitchen gardens, all created by Head Gardener and Co-founder of Sculpture by the Lakes, Monique Gudgeon.

Candide, an online platform and hub for gardeners of all experiences, is also a sponsor of the two events.

The website, which offers a range of resources, from a plant identification tool to a place where people can buy plants from independent retailers, also allows people to buy tickets for some of the most special gardens in the UK, including Sculpture by the Lakes.

Marta Funk, Candide’s Marketing Manager, said: “Knowing how special a place it is, we are delighted to be supporting Sculpture by the Lakes for  FORM – The Sculpture Exhibition and The Garden Festival.

“It is set to be a fantastic celebration of plants, gardens, and creativity in these stunning, tranquil surroundings.”

FORM – The Sculpture Exhibition is still welcoming businesses to enquire about sponsorship packages and the various marketing opportunities the event will bring for those looking to a high-income audience.

To enquire about sponsoring, email Mandy Cooper at mandy@sculpturebythelakes.co.uk.

Tickets for FORM – The Sculpture Exhibition will be priced at £12.50, the standard price of entry to Sculpture by the Lakes.

Ticket numbers are capped to ensure social distancing and visitors are reminded to follow government guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

More information can be found here.