Northern sculptures showcase art at Cheeseburn Grange

Jul 11 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

SEVEN acres of gardens at a Northumbrian countryside mansion will be the stunning showcase for the work of 10 Northern sculptors tomorrow.

The gardens at Cheeseburn Grange, near Stamfordham, will open from 2pm-5.30pm in aid of the National Gardens Scheme and the Alan Shearer Centre in Newcastle.

And among the attractions will be 34 mainly outdoor sculptures, most of which will be for sale.

The grade II-star listed Cheeseburn Grange has long been the home of the Riddell family.

The latest in the family line is Simon Riddell, who is managing director of an agricultural company, and his wife Joanna.

She said: “ I am passionate about sculpture and I think every garden should have a piece.”

Cheeseburn was designed in 1813 by eminent Newcastle architect John Dobson who remodelled an earlier 17th Century house for Ralph Riddell.

He also laid out the grounds in early 19th Century picturesque style.

One feature is an arbor framed by the re-used door from the earlier house, dated 1694.

Other attractions include herbaceous borders, restored greenhouse, parterre garden, and a sunken Victorian cave walk which is also being restored.