HIP-HIP HOORAY - THE HIPPOS ARE COMING...


Strange goings on at the bottom of a surburban garden in Southampton.
An erstwhile bramble patch has been transformed into a secret sculpture garden which was open to the public for two week-ends,
17/18th and 24/25 June 2000 from 10.30-4.30
and, during the week, by ringing (023 80 462723) to arrange a time.

Suzie Marsh's large ceramic Hippo Wallow is the centrepiece of THE FIRST GALLERY's Millennium Project, a new SECRET SCULPTURE GARDEN. The arrival of the hippos at The First whilst the Clarkes were on holiday was the sensation of the road. The sculpture garden is an extension to the popular PATIO SHOW which occurs every few years showing large and small pots for garden features and plants. Clive Bowen's big planters filled with water will contain Lotte Glob's amazing floating stones; Mel Howse's colourful stained glass arch will be flanked by Allan Bennett's witty sculpture using metal & found objects, alongside mosaics and cactus-like ceramic forms by the Andrews sisters (Maria and Janie). There will also be an indoors display including pictures by Eric Meadus, Pam & Alan Wilson, Margery Clarke & Caroline Hyde-Brown, delicate floral & leaf-based mobiles by Ping Lawson, pots and sculptures by Alvin Betteridge.

Some of Lotte Glob's ceramic 'Stones'
in one of Clive Bowen's giant garden pots


Sculpture for Succulents by Maria Andrews

Other things will doubtless turn up between then and now. In addition there is the friendly happy atmosphere of The First Gallery itself. A stimulating experience not to be missed. Admission is free, some tempting things can be bought and there is easy parking.

Creating the new Sculpture Garden has been a wonderful collaboration quite unexpectedly from a number of people on whom we hope blessings will descend.

Rachel Bebb first mooted the idea and has unstintingly shared her wisdom, together with Virginia Hinze, another landscape architect.

Colin Waterman transformed our bramble patch and made the entrance path, and Derry Marchant, the gardener, has manfully dealt with weeds.

Anna Longley & Terry Marsh provided the plants for the Hippo Wallow, denuding their own garden. Rod Moore, whom we only met two weeks, ago, volunteered to stain the garden sheds on a very hot day. Suzie Marsh and Allan Bennett came all the way from Cornwall to bring their sculptures: in fact all the artists have been really enthusiastic and helpful.

Last but not least, Paul has come to the rescue. In fact he has spent so much time setting up that he has built up such a personal relationship with the pond he is getting quite possessive!

We hope you will enjoy it all as much as we have.

Margery Clarke
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