We’ve been lucky enough to catch a sneak preview of the upcoming Sculpture at The Grove 2011 exhibition – which will open to the public at The Grove, London’s Country Estate, in Hertfordshire, next month.
Running from 7 May until the end of August, the exhibition was curated by Art Contact founder Virgina Grub and features over 80 small and monumental pieces in both figurative and abstract styles. The impressive roll call of artists features members of the Royal Academy, the Royal Society of British Artists and internationally acclaimed artists from Australia, Spain and Holland – as well as recent graduates from the country’s best art colleges.
Virgina’s aim was to make a statement in an outdoor space and give the public a unique collection of art they would not see in other sculpture gardens.
The Grove’s gardens and grounds were a natural choice for this intriguing exhibition; originally the estate was the seat of the Earls of Clarendon and in the 18th century, artist George Stubbs would walk here from his house in Edgware to paint the Earl’s horses. Nowadays, the hotel has a stunning collection of contemporary art, both inside and outside, and guests often remark that the hotel is like a gallery.
So, by mounting this exhibition, The Grove hopes to continue the tradition of bringing great art and hospitality together, but in a thoroughly 21st century way.
We were especially taken with the sculptures in the Formal Gardens – the works blend seamlessly into the space, complimenting the hotel’s architecture and highlighting the natural beauty of the grounds.
All the sculptures are for sale – from a very affordable £1,000 upwards. Time to transform the garden, and invest in a future Henry Moore or Alexander Calder….. below are a few of our favourite pieces.
Petersham Hotel. Set on Richmond Hill in Surrey, it overlooks Petersham Meadows and the Thames, a quintessentially English peaceful landscape, said to be the most painted in the British Isles. The hotel is the perfect base for setting out to Kew Gardens and Hampton Court Palace, or for simply taking a stroll around the beautiful Richmond Park. And this very civilised hotel has a very civilised offer that would make a mother very happy: the “Civilised Sundays” package – for just £89 per person, it includes a full three course dinner in the restaurant, with views of the Thames, an overnight stay with a full English breakfast the next day. The offer is based on two people sharing a double room. To book on Sunday 3rd April, Mothering Sunday, call: 0208 940 7471 or visit 
from £140 with a £50 Spa Voucher, based on two people sharing a twin or double room – including dinner, bed and breakfast and use of the spa. Spend time in the spa on Sunday and Monday, and leave feeling wonderfully revived. Appearances are deceptive at Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, just 200 metres from the beach in the village of Climping. On first sight it looks like an ancient manor house, but in fact it was built in the 1920s by the Guinness family, using only medieval timber and stone collected from derelict 13th century buildings nearby. Set in 30 acres of parkland, with oak paneled passageways around a rose-filled courtyard, with gorgeous rooms, many with oak beams, four poster beds and working log fires. Locally sourced food and a bracing walk on Climping Beachcompletes the perfect British escape. For more information go to 
And the deeply glamorous Spa at Rockliffe Hall in County Durham is the just place to do it. For just £90 per person, the special Mother’s Day half day spa retreat ticks all the boxes as token of appreciation for the best mother in the world and her best friend (or daughter). Using exclusive Comfort Zone and ILA products the half day spa retreat includes a choice of any 45 minute treatment plus a 2 course lunch or supper in The Waterhouse Bistro, before heading home. To book call: 01325 729 999 or visit 
Enjoy a spot of lunch this Mothering Sunday at The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa in Midhurst, one of the oldest coaching inns in England, dating back to the 15th century with an impressive guest list including Queen Elizabeth I, H G Wells and Guy Fawkes. The Spread Eagle is wonderfully atmospheric and cosy, with log fires, stained glass windows and a flagged hallway. Treat the most important person in the family to a 3 course Sunday lunch and a surprise present for only £39 per person. For more information go to 
mothers. Tier upon tier of finger sandwiches, followed by fresh warm scones, chocolate creations and a selection of delicious teas. Tea at The Grove is taken in the “groovy grand” drawing rooms in the original mansion, (the former home of the Earls of Clarendon). The Grove is just 18 miles from central London, but a world away – with all the style and service of the city and all the peace of the countryside. Afternoon tea for £60 for two people. For more information go to 
The Scotsman Spa & Health Club in Edinburgh has a dedicated ‘Perfect Pregnancy’ package. It uses products from the Mama Mio range to help strengthen the skin and give it a healthy boost in preparation for birth. The treatment begins with a relaxing foot bath, followed by a soothing back massage to help relieve muscle fatigue and unlock tension around the pregnant tummy. A cooling eye compress soothes tired eyes while unwinding with a shoulder, neck and scalp massage. The final touch is a sleek file and polish with a simple manicure and pedicure. The treatment also includes a delicious light lunch and a refreshing drink.