A SPECIAL sculpture exhibition has returned to a popular Essex venue after three years to celebrate a charity’s 50th anniversary.

Markshall Estate in Coggeshall has welcomed back its sculpture exhibition to its walled garden. 

Sculpture returned to the gardens for the first time since 2019, with Braintree Council Chairman Andrew Hensman opening the exhibition in a ceremony with sculptors, staff, and sponsors.

Braintree and Witham Times: General Manager, Dave Finkle, welcoming everyone to the Sculpture Preview Evening with former Chair of Trustees Graeme Fraser-Steele and Andrew HensmanGeneral Manager, Dave Finkle, welcoming everyone to the Sculpture Preview Evening with former Chair of Trustees Graeme Fraser-Steele and Andrew Hensman

Braintree and Witham Times: Braintree Council Chairman Andrew Hensman and sculptor Joel WalkerBraintree Council Chairman Andrew Hensman and sculptor Joel Walker

He said: “I was delighted to be part of the official opening of Sculpture in the Walled Garden at Markshall Estate. The new display looks beautiful amongst the heritage landscape, and I would like to thank all the volunteers and staff who have made this possible.

“Markshall Estate is a wonderful hidden gem in our district, and I would encourage people to take a trip there to explore everything they have on offer this summer.”

Braintree and Witham Times: Sculpture Sales Administrative Assistant and Marketing Coordinator, Saffron Ralph and Becky Stone Sculpture Sales Administrative Assistant and Marketing Coordinator, Saffron Ralph and Becky Stone

Braintree and Witham Times: Employees from the title sponsor, Holmes and Hills, Julian Davey, Zara Fletcher, Sue Carlile and Greg McCarthyEmployees from the title sponsor, Holmes and Hills, Julian Davey, Zara Fletcher, Sue Carlile and Greg McCarthy

The exhibition includes 193 sculptures, from more than 30 local, national, and international sculptors.

There are a wide variety of styles and materials on display, all of which have been thoughtfully placed throughout the gardens by the arboretum and horticultural team at Markshall.

Braintree and Witham Times: The team from A&J Plants – Kerry Pennock, Andrew Mardon, Jackie Rhodes and Andrea Wenlock The team from A&J Plants – Kerry Pennock, Andrew Mardon, Jackie Rhodes and Andrea Wenlock

Since opening, many visitors have enjoyed the pieces on display, and this year there is also a special installation called Bronze Secrets by the late sculptor John Cox, located by the visitor centre.

John’s legacy lives on through his wife and daughter, Joy, and Jayne who, using the foundation of his original designs, are able to add to the portfolio of sculptures.

Braintree and Witham Times: Sculptor Liz Tiranti and husband Dexter TirantiSculptor Liz Tiranti and husband Dexter Tiranti

Braintree and Witham Times: Visit Essex Team and Sculpture Sales Administrative Assistant, Anna Boon, Charis Boon and Catherine HarrisonVisit Essex Team and Sculpture Sales Administrative Assistant, Anna Boon, Charis Boon and Catherine Harrison

Marketing co-ordinator at Markshall Estate Becky Stone said: “Sculpture at Markshall Estate is so important in terms fundraising for the charity and the atmosphere it brings is incredible; the whole team are so excited to have it back.

“We are thrilled to have the support of our title sponsor, Holmes and Hills Solicitors and bronze sponsors Perrywood Garden Centre and Wilkin & Sons, Tiptree; their support is essential in mounting the exhibition.”

Braintree and Witham Times: Markshall Estate Arboretum Team: Ian Chandler, Robert Page, Martin Bowers, Sara Boyles, Dennis Larbalestier, Emma Willy, Iain King and Warren LucasMarkshall Estate Arboretum Team: Ian Chandler, Robert Page, Martin Bowers, Sara Boyles, Dennis Larbalestier, Emma Willy, Iain King and Warren Lucas

For more information, visit markshall.org.uk.