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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 luke@grantfordltd.com or 07939870337 if you require additional information.
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Pop the champagne and join us in congratulating Harri Williams, our. Executive Head Chef, on being crowned Chef of the Year at the Cheshire Life Food & Drink Awards 2026 🍾 Hosted at Carden Park, Harri was determined not to miss an evening dedicated to celebrating the region`s outstanding chefs and hospitality professionals. Rather than heading on his pre-planned holiday, he delayed his departure so he could work alongside his team and serve the bespoke menu they had created for the awards. Fortunately, we`re told his wife and friends were more than happy to wait a little longer, and are now enjoying celebrating an even more memorable start to the holiday following Harri`s well-deserved award win ✈️As he accepted his award, Harri dedicated it to his kitchen brigade - “without the team, none of this would be possible”Congratulations Harri and all of the Carden Park team@cheshirelifemag @joannegoodwingirlreporter
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COMPETITION NOW CLOSED Congratulations @rachelhayes_x you have WON an indulgent spa day for 2 🍾🌞 𝐖𝐈𝐍 𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐 🌞Summer is here and we all need to schedule a little "me-time." This is your chance to WIN an Indulgent Spa Day for 2 🎉The prize:🌊 A day in the spa for 2 from 10am to 5pm🌊 Healthy lunch for 2 in Elements🌊 50 minute ritual treatment for 2🌊 Use of our three themed relaxation roomsTo enter:☀️ Like this post☀️ Follow @cardenpark☀️ Tag who would share your spa day with☀️ Share this post to your stories (if your account is private, DM us a screenshot)Competition closes at 11:59pm on Monday 20th July 2026 and the winner will be announced on Tuesday 21st July 2026Good 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 Tuesday 21st July 2026Open to UK residents and over 18s onlyPrize is an Indulgent Spa Day Voucher for 2 and is valid for 12 months from the date of issuePrize does not include transport to and from Carden ParkNon-transferable and no cash alternative will be given For full terms and conditions please visit the link in our bio Competition is in no way endorsed by Instagram, Facebook or Meta
School`s out, adventure`s in! ☀️ 🤸Make this summer one to remember with a family stay. From outdoor adventures and endless space to explore, to delicious dining and relaxing moments for the grown-ups, there`s something for everyone to enjoy 😎Summer holidays // Family holiday // Fun // Staycation // Family escapes // Summer adventures // Carden Park Hotel // UK travel // Where to stay in Cheshire // Chester Zoo // Cheshire Ice Cream Farm // BeWILDerwood // Family days out
🫧 This is your last chance to SAVE on spa breaks 🫧Schedule in a little self-care this summer and save 10% on all spa breaks. Whether you need a trip away with the girls or a romantic twilight evening, now is the time to book. But you`ll need to hurry. This exclusive offer ends on 17th July. Tap the link in our bio to book your stay Save 10% on spa breaks for arrivals until 31st August 2026. Discount will be automatically applied to your booking ☀️Spa break in Cheshire // Best spa in the UK // The Spa at Carden Park Hotel // Girls trip // Summer spa day // Romantic break away // Luxury spa hotel
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Is it just us or is this weather giving "we should book a spa break" vibes? 🌞Feel like you`re abroad without leaving the UK (yes, we promise this really is in the UK.) Right now you can 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝟭𝟬% 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁. Imagine enjoying a romantic twilight experience and watching the sunset from the outdoor pool. Or spending the morning relaxing in a hot tub with a refreshing cocktail in hand 🍹After your spa experience, enjoy a restful sleep in a wonderfully cool, air conditioned room. Sounds like bliss? Tap the link in our bio to book 😉Carden Park // Spa Stays // Spa Escapes // UK Staycation // Outdoor Pool // Summer
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