The amazing art installation Ten Thousand Daffodils has opened its doors to visitors in the gardens at Lowther Castle.
The event – based on Wordsworth’s eponymous poem – has been put in place by Dockray-based potter Helen Ratcliffe. It comprises a display of ceramic daffodils and will raise up to £300,000 for six charities.
The making, assembly and planting of the daffodils was undertaken by an incredible army of around 500 volunteers and many returned to Lowther over the weekend to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
In total, there are 15,000 small daffodils at £25 each plus postage and packaging for sale. Buyers will receive them in July, once the installation has been taken
down.
To date, around 6,000 daffodils have been snapped up since they were released just over six weeks ago. A further 10 large daffodils – designed by a number of potters and notable friends of Lowther – will be auctioned at the end of the project.
Jim Lowther, owner of Lowther Castle said: ‘We are delighted that Lowther Castle is being the means of raising a serious amount of money for these important charities.
“Warm congratulations to all the volunteers and organisers for pulling together such a terrific display.”
The charities to benefit from the installation are Another Way, Sunbeams Music Trust, Friends of Ullswater Way, Ullswater Catchment Management CIC, the New Horizon Youth Centre in London and James’ Place in Liverpool and London.
Entry to Ten Thousand Daffodils is free with admission to Lowther Castle & Gardens. Daffodils can be bought via www.tenthousanddaffodils.org/shop
