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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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Congratulations @emmarosesmith81 🌸 𝓦𝓘𝓝 an incredible spa escape for 2 🌸Mother`s Day is next weekend and to celebrate, we`re in the giving mood. This is your chance to treat the mother figure in your life to a perfectly relaxing 𝗦𝗽𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 2The prize:🌿 Morning or afternoon in the spa garden and thermal suite🌿 Evening meal in either Redmond`s Brasserie or The Vines🌿 Luxurious overnight stay🌿 Breakfast the following morningTo enter:✨ Like this post✨ Follow @cardenpark✨ Tag who you`d bring✨ Share to your stories (if you have a private profile just DM us a screenshot)For a bonus entry, head to our Facebook pageCompetition closes at 11:59pm on Sunday 8th March 2026 and the winner will be announced on Monday 9th March. Good luck! 🍀𝗪𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 - 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀. 𝗪𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁, @𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸T&CsWinner will be chosen at random and contacted directly by @cardenpark on Monday 9th March 2026Open to UK residents and over 18s onlyPrize is a Garden Retreat Voucher for 2 and is valid for 12 months from the date of issuePrize is subject to availability Prize does not include transport to and from Carden ParkNon-transferable and no cash alternative will be givenFor full terms and conditions please visit the link in our bioCompetition is in no way endorsed by Instagram, Facebook or Meta
Children stay for 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 this Easter 🐣 Take a glimpse at what your next family holiday could look like:🐰 Luxurious overnight accommodation🐰 Family-friendly dining🐰 On-site activities🐰 Use of the Leisure Club, including the leisure pool🐰 Cinema room🐰 Outdoor play area🐰 10% discount voucher for Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet🐰 Exciting local attractions. Create lasting memories this Easter and book your stay at the link in our bio ✨ Family holiday // School holidays // Family friendly luxury hotel in Cheshire // Easter break // Carden Park Hotel // Where to stay in Chester
Oh, what a night 🍴🥂🧑🍳Last week`s Supper Club in The Vines was a truly spectacular evening. It was an honour to welcome Guy de Rivoire from Champagne Bollinger, who shared his in-depth knowledge of their incredible wines and how each glass was perfectly paired with the menu. Our wonderful chefs treated our guests to a journey of flavour, showcasing their exceptional cooking techniques. If you missed out on this delicious evening, our next Supper Club takes place on Friday 27th March. Expect another beautiful menu from our Executive Head Chef, Harri Williams, and Head Chef, Cyril Gabriel. Enhance your experience with an optional wine flight created by our Vines team. Tables are limited so book your place now to save disappointment, the link is in our bio 👆🍽️ The Vines at Carden Park Hotel // Fine dining in Cheshire // 3 AA Rosette restaurants // Where to eat in Chester // Gourmet food // Dining event @champagne_bollinger
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Girls just want to have fun...and a spa day 🪩🫧🤍 ✨Women`s only spa day // Spas in Chester // Best spa in the UK // Halal friendly spa hotel // Hijab friendly spa // Girls trip // Outdoor pool // Hot tub // Saunas // Steam room // Indoor pool
Find a little magic just for the mother figure in your life 🪄From sumptuous dining to sparkling spa experiences, we have everything Mum could need right here 💐Mother`s Day // Spa day in Cheshire // Sunday lunch // Family time // Afternoon tea // Fine dining // Spa treatment // Spa break // The Spa at Carden Park Hotel
Say hello to our 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 🌿Welcome the new season in the spa garden as it blooms to life and enjoy an escape away this spring. What`s included:💚 A morning in the spa garden and thermal suite💚 50 minute Rainforest Ritual treatment💚 Sarti Spritz or non alcoholic alternative💚 Overnight stay💚 Evening meal in Redmond`s Brasserie or The Vines💚 Breakfast the following morningBook your Spring Enchantment retreat at the link in our bio🌿 Spring spa day // Spa break // Luxury spa hotel // Spa breaks in Cheshire // The Spa at Carden Park Hotel
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