The botanical garden in England is famous for its reclining maid statue, which is a popular attraction. What sets this statue apart is its ability to change its appearance according to the seasons.
Cornwall, a mesmerizing destination in the South West of England, is steeped in the legends of King Arthur. The area is renowned for The Forgotten Gardens of Heligan, which is Europe’s most extensive garden restoration project. It is a paradise for explorers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a romantic getaway. A must-see attraction at Heligan is the Mud Maid statue, which is an iconic masterpiece.
The Mud Maid sculpture has a truly remarkable quality of being “living” art. Interestingly, her appearance shifts with every passing season, adapting to the growth and decay of grass, ivy, and moss.
As the spring and summer months roll around, the sculpture takes on a stunning appearance that undergoes a complete shift as fall and winter settle in.
At first, the plan was to make a mermaid sculpture. But while the team was restoring it, one of them suggested calling it “Mud Maid.” This caused a change in the original plan and the sculpture’s tail was removed.
Rather than using a tree root as its foundation, this sculpture is crafted from a combination of materials. A wooden frame forms the base, which is then enhanced with straw, cement, and clay to create the desired shape. The sculpture is secured to the frame to give it structure.
Ever since 1997, this artwork has been immensely popular with tourists and is now a permanent fixture in the garden.
The Mud Maid sculpture has achieved a status of being a well-known feature in gardens. Interestingly, it was brought into existence by Pete and Sue Hill who are not only artists from the locality but also siblings.
