Project Neptune facilitates an interest in, and new perception of heritage by young people who are currently working with artist Nathan Hughes and Dyrham Park’s Education Department, to stage a spectacular outdoor event at a late 17th century mansion near Bath, managed by the The National Trust. Project Neptune is made possible through the Young Roots Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Trust and Sky Schools Arts Partnership. These schemes build young people’s confidence and skills, by enabling opportunities for their ideas and energy to drive creative relationships with heritage sites.
visit the Project Neptune website for more information.
Dyrham Park was built for Sir William Blathwayt (1694-1717), who was Secretary of State to King William III of England. Blathwayt commissioned extensive formal gardens, in the ‘Dutch Style’, which rivaled other celebrated English Baroque gardens, influenced by the fashion for all things Dutch. Amongst several famous features, there was a cascade of over 220 steps, and a fountain from which water leapt 6 meters into the air.
These gardens survived less than 100 years before being completely demolished in the 1850’s and converted to the Serpentine Style. Today only a lone statue of Neptune survives. (this links to a 360 degree Quicktime VR from behind the statue).
On 26th October 2007, the grandeur of the lost gardens will be re-created through a compelling combination of pyrotechnic effects, lighting, video-projections, performance and sound. Young people from Monks Park School Bristol and a crack team of experienced arts professionals will invoke a spectacular apparition of the formal gardens. As darkness falls, the fiery outlines of the old structures will slip back into history.
The students have researched the site, the history of Dyrham Park and its period and will be recreating aspects of the formal East Gardens. Dance students from Monks Park School, Bristol will embody the famous water-cascade, and pupils from Pucklechurch Primary School are making giant tulips with LED lights for bulbs, to show the locations of formal beds. After the event, Project Neptune documentation and the young people’s research contributions will become part of the Dyrham Park archive.
The Project Neptune performance will be viewed from Old Lodge Hill, a wooded hilltop (far right in schematic above), with extensive views over the surrounding countryside. On arrival at Dyrham Park there will be a short walk through the landscape, animated by fire and light, leading to a decorated reception area with live Baroque music, a 17th Century finger buffet and warm drinks. Please allow 15 minutes to walk here from the car park. Please wear suitable footwear and adequate clothing for an outdoor event at this time of year, and bring a torch.
visit the Project Neptune website for more information.
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