Toppesfield Vineyard will host a unique three-day Sculpture and Wine Festival, bringing together leading contemporary sculptors, award-winning fine English wine, and a rich artistic heritage in the Essex countryside.
Festival Collaboration and Dates
Held in collaboration with High Roding Art, the festival takes place from Friday to Sunday, June 12-14. It will showcase work from seven carefully selected sculptors, displayed throughout the vineyard and the historic grounds of Bradfields, once home to renowned sculptor Michael Ayrton and frequently visited by Henry Moore.
Artistic Legacy and Special Guests
Continuing this legacy, the festival will feature curated contemporary sculpture. It welcomes James Copper, Sculpture Conservator at the Henry Moore Foundation, and John Farnham, former assistant to Henry Moore, offering a rare connection between modern British sculpture and its heritage.
Featured Artists
- Billie Bond – figurative sculptor known for major public commissions
- James Copper – stone carver exploring time, material and emotion
- John Farnham – internationally influenced sculptor and former Henry Moore assistant
- Lucy Lutyens – nature-inspired sculptor rooted in heritage landscapes
- Peter Morris – ceramic artist creating reflective, conceptual works
- Tim Villiers – designer blending sculpture with fine materials and form
- David Beanland – multidisciplinary sculptor working across wood, stone and metal
Visitor Experience
Set within a working vineyard, the festival offers visitors the opportunity to experience sculpture in a natural landscape, alongside tastings of Toppesfield wines and seasonal food from The Watering Place Café at Gainsborough’s House. A children’s sculpture workshop led by artist Claire Isles will run on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, encouraging creative exploration for younger visitors.
Peter Moore, co-owner of Toppesfield Vineyard, will conduct vineyard tours at 3pm on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Attendees are often fascinated by how much they learn about making and tasting English wines during these tours, which are included in the ticket price.
Comment from Organizers
Jane Moore, co-owner and director at Toppesfield Vineyard, commented: “There’s something special about seeing sculpture in the open landscape; I think it alters how you experience both the art and the surroundings. With Bradfields’ connection to artists like Michael Ayrton and Henry Moore, this felt like a natural way to continue that legacy while inviting people to discover English wine in a new way. This is set to be an exciting and memorable event.”
Festival Details
- Friday, June 12 (7pm–10pm): Charity Preview Evening (adults only), in aid of Kids Inspire
- Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14 (12pm–6pm): Public festival days. Vineyard tours at 3pm on each day.
Tickets are available via TicketSource. Location: Halstead in Essex.
