AN exhibition of sculptures created by more than 15 artists will open at Hidcote Manor Garden on September 5, with a wide range of different types of art work.

The pieces are produced in different mediums and styles, from classical stone forms and bronzes, to cutting-edge stainless steel plant forms and contemporary pieces.

The Open Air Sculpture exhibition is now in its fifth year at Hidcote and has steadily grown in popularity and scope every year. This year artists are displaying almost 60 pieces of work, positioned and displayed throughout the garden.

All the items of sculpture are for sale to the public and many of the artists have been involved with Hidcote from the very first exhibition back in 2010.

Chris Charman, National Trust general manager, explained: "Hidcote is regarded by many as a work of art in itself, and it has always contained pieces of sculpture in some of the outdoor rooms which Lawrence Johnston created here.

"We are delighted to once again be hosting the sculpture exhibition, which gives our visitors added interest to their visit, and often delights them with a thought-provoking piece, or a whimsical addition to the garden."

Major Johnston travelled the world on numerous expeditions, collecting the best examples he could find of interesting and unusual plants with which to fill the garden. He is considered to be one of the early 20th century pioneers of English landscape gardening and Hidcote bridges the gap between gardens designed for the great country estates and those on a more intimate scale, illustrating the techniques which can be translated into smaller gardens.

The Open Air exhibition runs from Saturday 5 – Sunday September 27. Normal admission charges to Hidcote apply. The garden is open 7 days a week, from 10am – 6.00pm (last admission at 5.00pm). More information is available on www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote