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Another Isis comes to Sculpture by the Lakes

On a cold March morning a beautiful three-metre sculpture is slowly, silently, carefully installed in the magnificent Dorset landscape of Sculpture by the Lakes.  ‘Isis’ by internationally renowned artist, Simon Gudgeon joins the other extraordinary sculptures which seem perfectly at home in the 26 acres of Pallington Lakes, near Dorchester.

Standing 10 feet tall and weighing ¾ of a ton, she is identical to the one unveiled in Hyde Park in 2009.   That piece sits on the south shore of the Serpentine, near the Princess Diana memorial fountain and the unveiling was part of a fundraising effort to build a children’s education centre in the Park. The building is now, after just six months identified as an excellent model for sustainability.   The inspiring building has been shortlisted for a Greenbuild award.

Sculpture by the Lakes provides ‘Isis’ with another waterside position overlooking the beautiful Dorset countryside at the Lakes.  This magnificent bronze sculpture represents the Egyptian goddess of motherhood, who could take the form of a bird.

Installing her was a major operation for the team at the Lakes.  It required a special plinth and then precision moving and positioning.  Her arrival on a ten tonne crane lorry may not have looked very romantic and lying on her side, she seemed, almost to be sleeping.  Covered in blankets she could easily have been resting in advance of installation in her new home.

But what a sight, when she was safely in position!  Simon’s early morning image was pure magic!