The amazing art installation Ten Thousand Daffodils opened its doors to visitors in the gardens at Lowther Castle today, (Monday 24 April).
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, both local and UK-wide.
The making, assembly and planting of the daffodils was undertaken by an incredible army of volunteers – approximately 500 – 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 6000 daffodils have been snapped up since they were released just over six weeks ago. A further ten 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.”
Entry to Ten Thousand Daffodils is free with admission to Lowther Castle & Gardens. Daffodils can be bought via www.tenthousanddaffodils.org/shop
The work aims to raise £300,000 for six charities:
🌼Another Way
🌼Friends of the Ullswater away
🌼Sunbeams Music Trust
🌼Ullswater Catchment Management CIC
🌼The New Horizon Youth Centre
🌼James’ Place
The 10,000 Daffodils are on display until June 24 then for sale at £25 each.
