Defender Burghley announces new Sculptor in Residence
Defender Burghley Horse Trials is proud to announce that equestrian sculptor Belinda Sillars will be the event’s new Sculptor in Residence this year.
As Sculptor in Residence Belinda will be given wide access to the event, including behind the scenes, with a view to creating a piece of sculpture that captures what Burghley is all about.
Belinda will work alongside Artist in Residence Daniel Crane, who was appointed in 2023, and whose studies from last year’s event will be displayed this year at Burghley.
Belinda, from Suffolk, creates sculptures in bronze and has undertaken many significant commissions including for World Series Racing Championships, Hickstead Dressage and Chatsworth and Bramham International Horse Trials. She has exhibited at Burghley since the 1990s.
Event Director Martyn Johnson said: “Since Burghley House is one of the great treasure houses of Europe, and holds so much exceptional art, we are pleased to reflect this heritage in a small way by having an Artist and now a Sculptor in Residence at this year’s Defender Burghley Horse Trials. Few things are more beautiful than a top event horse, and these two artists are masters at capturing that.”
Belinda Sillars added: “I’m really delighted to be attending Burghley — an event I know and love well — in a slightly different capacity this year as Sculptor in Residence, and trying to choose an appropriate theme for a piece that celebrates the event.
“The strength of my work is in the movement and capturing that animation is the challenge at Burghley. I’m always captivated by the bravery of the horses on the course and their love of what they do.”
Look out for Belinda and Daniel at work on your visit to Defender Burghley Horse Trials. To find out more about Burghley, including how to purchase tickets, visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk/tickets
The attached pictures of Belinda Sillars and one of her sculptures are free to use, but please credit Anthony Morris.