Ronnie Wood Lends One-Tonne Sculpture to Longleat Safari Park
Renowned Rolling Stones guitarist and classically-trained artist Ronnie Wood has lent a monumental, one-tonne bronze sculpture to Longleat Safari Park. The imposing artwork, titled 'Struggles and Triumphs', has taken pride of place in the estate's picturesque Secret Garden.
Wood, who has cultivated his artistic talent since the age of 12 and trained at Ealing Art College, created the original smaller piece in a single afternoon. He described the sculpture's genesis as occurring "on a whim" due to his affection for horses.
The revolving nature of the final bronze piece was a suggestion from the foundry, which Wood embraced as a "brilliant idea". Expressing his excitement, Wood stated that the Longleat location was "perfect for it" and that the project had brought him immense enjoyment, given his infrequent forays into sculpture.
Longleat representatives have conveyed their delight at hosting the artwork. A spokesperson for the park stated they were "thrilled" to showcase one of the music legend's "incredible sculptures". Ceawlin Thynn, the 8th Marquess of Bath, echoed these sentiments, noting its seamless integration into the chosen area: "It looks like it was made to be there."
Both Ronnie Wood and Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath, serve as ambassadors for Tusk, an African wildlife conservation charity. Their shared commitment to conservation, particularly the protection of endangered species, underscores the significance of the sculpture's placement within the safari park. Wood emphasised the importance of conservation "to protect them for the future" for coming generations.
