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Frequently Asked Questions
Based at his home and studio in Hook Norton, Oxfordshire, artist Hamish Mackie has been at the forefront of animal sculpture for many years. His professional career as a sculptor began in 1996 during his first visit to Africa. We were lucky enough to get a moment of his time to ask a few questions about his work:
How important is it to you to be able to go to an animal’s natural environment? It’s almost impossible to get a proper understanding of the subject without. It’s also much more inspirational. Feeling an elephants rumble at close quarters for the first time has to be a highlight
What materials do you use? And do you have a preference? I Sculpt most of my originals out of clay or plasticine which are then cast into bronze. I love the fact I can stick my fingerprints into a soft clay and this detail can be captured by Lockbund Foundry
Can you tell us about your process? Are there any parts that you love or any parts that you dislike? I’m always interested in de-pigeonholing myself so open to all ideas! I have recently been given some ammolite by the Korite mine in Canada to make something out of
How do you go about capturing the essence of your subject? Before starting any sculpture I like to get the subject in my head so I have a good understanding of why it’s like it is. Travel is an integral part of this research, I’ve recently been to Sweden to observe Moose
How do you know when a sculpture is complete? When I‘m brave enough to leave it alone. There’s a thin line between loose mark-making and a hole. Every piece of the surface should have a purpose
What keeps you inspired to keep making sculptures? I’m incredibly lucky I have made a living out of a passion
If you would like to view a sample of the artist Hamish Mackie’s sculptures we are happy to have the following pieces on show as part of our art exhibition near Chester: Turtles, Longhorn Bull Head and Vessell. This artwork is also available to purchase directly through our resident creator Grant Ford Ltd. Contact our fine art advisor directly via [email protected] or 07939870337 if you require additional information.
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Guess who’s an award finalist? (hint: it’s us 🤭)The Spa at Carden is in the running to be crowned the Best SATCC Approved-Spa at the Luxury Spa Edit Awards 🎊This recognition means so much to us for all the work we do with those living with and beyond cancer. Not only have we recently received official accreditation from SATCC, but through our partnership with @madeforlifeorganics, we offer:🎗️ Specially tailored treatments for those living with cancer🎗️ Tea and Therapy sessions offering a safe space for those living with cancer🎗️ Tea and Tools sessions designed for men who have been affected by this terrible disease🎗️ SpaFest Gives Back, a day dedicated to those fighting cancer and their families who support themIt would mean the world if you could spare a moment and vote for us. Head to the link in our bio, scroll down to the countries section, then select The Spa at Carden in the Best SATCC Approved-Spa category 🙏🎗️ @theluxuryspaedit // The Global Spa Awards by The Luxury Edit // Spa awards // Treatments for cancer patients // Massage // Facial // Carden Park Hotel in Cheshire
𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐟-𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 🙌An abundance of fun is waiting for you this February, from thrilling indoor and outdoor activities to wild days out at one of our many local attractions. And best of all, all overnight bookings include Activity Wristbands for the young VIPs 🤸🌿 Family break away // School holidays // Outdoor Pursuits at Carden Park Hotel // Where to stay in Cheshire // Chester Zoo // Cheshire Ice Cream Farm // BeWILDerwood // Blue Planet Aquarium
Where romance meets relaxation ❣️🥂 Romantic date night in Chester // The Spa at Carden Park Hotel // Spa break // Spa days // Date ideas // Couple goals // Luxury hotel
New year, new goals 💪Kickstart your January fitness journey with a Leisure Club Membership at Carden Park ✨Your 2026 fitness era starts here 📍Fitness // gym // Wellness Goals // Swimming // Personal Training
New for 2026, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 🙌🫧😎Switch off, slow down and fully immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of our award-winning spa resort. Escape for 2 heavenly nights away with spa access on 2 days. Included in your getaway:✨ 2 nights in luxurious accommodation✨ An afternoon in the spa garden and thermal suite on the day of arrival✨ A morning in the spa the following day✨ 50 minute ritual treatment✨ Dinner allowance both evenings to be used in either Redmond`s Brasserie or The Vines✨ Breakfast both mornings✨ Full use of the Leisure Club✨ Your very own fluffy robe to take home with you Book now at the link in our bio🫧 Spa breaks in Cheshire // The Spa at Carden Park Hotel // Winter break // Adults only spa // Date ideas // Romantic getaways // Girls trip // Hot tub // Sauna // Steam room // Spa Garden in the UK
✨ Restore your 𝓰𝓵𝓸𝔀 this winter ✨Our treatment recommendation for the month is the ultra nourishing 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗥𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹. Tailored to your skin type, the facial begins with a circulation stimulating cleanse and exfoliation, followed by a jelly mask to assist the recovery of stressed skin. As you relax, enjoy a chest, neck, and shoulder massage, finished with a calming scalp ritual. After your treatment, unwind in the three themed treatment rooms to extend your blissful relaxationFor the first time ever, the Radiant Glow Ritual Facial is now included in selected spa stay experiences and can also be booked as a spa day or standalone treatment 💆♀️ The Spa at Carden Park Hotel // Facial spa treatment // Winter skincare // Spa days // New year reset
THIS is our 2026 aesthetic 🫶 ✨2026 goals // Travel in the UK // The Spa at Carden Park Hotel // Hotels in Chester // Cheshire spa // Golf course // Outdoor activities // Family stays // Date night ideas // Fine dining restaurant // The Vines
Introducing The Vines Supper Club Taster Evening 🍴🍷Discover a refined new dining experience at The Vines with our exclusive Supper Club evenings. Enjoy an elegant six course tasting menu, designed to take you on a culinary journey featuring much-loved signature dishes alongside innovative new creations🗓️ Friday 30th January and Friday 27th February 2026🕰️ 6:30pm in Goldie`s Lounge for canapés and a reception drink 🍴Six course taster menu🍷Wine flight paired to each dish🌿 Vegetarian option also available - please note any dietaries upon bookingSwipe to view the full menu and book your table at the link in our bio
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