Recognising the need to support the arts industry, the two Dorset brands are inviting artists to submit their designs to create a new sculpture for the stunning Silverlake estate. The competition, that launches today, calls upon artists from every level, from amateurs to professionals. They will be asked to create a sculpture design that is innovative, sustainable and celebrates Silverlake’s sense of place.

Silverlake is built on the site of RAF Warmwell which was used as a training, fighter and ASR base until 1944. It was later taken over by Habitat First Group, the development company that created Silverlake as we know it now. Important relics were preserved during the renovations to mark the estate’s important role in the defence of the country.

Habitat First Group believe in creating spaces where ecology, architecture and community can, and should, exist in harmony. They applied this thinking when designing and building Silverlake. The site was transformed into a nature reserve with eco-holiday homes and officially opened in 2017. The aim throughout is to encourage wildlife to thrive; the group caries out regular species surveys to identify key areas of ecological importance for breeding. Since acquiring the site Habitat First Group has recorded over 1,400 different species at Silverlake. Artists will need to consider Silverlake’s heritage and eco positioning when submitting their designs.

There will be two possible locations for the new sculpture; outside Silverlake’s stunning yurt or next to the award winning Hurricane Spa. Habitat First Group is looking for a design that complements these areas.

A panel of judges will decide which design will be commissioned. Judges include Red Paxton, director of Habitat First Group, British sculptor and creator of Sculpture by Lakes, Simon Gudgeon, Paul Charles, CEO of travel consultancy The PC Agency and former BBC broadcaster, and Darren Northeast Managing Director of Darren Northeast PR, the South’s leading PR agency. The winning design will be commissioned and unveiled at Silverlake in November 2021.

Habitat First Group’s Director, Red Paxton expands on the competition criteria, “Design is in our DNA therefore it’s only right that we support the next generation of designers and artists through this competition. We’ll be looking for designs that speak to our beliefs as a brand and honour Silverlake’s history.

“This year the Habitat First Group will be celebrating its 25th anniversary and this sculpture will form part of our year-long celebrations.”

Fellow judge, Simon Gudgeon from Sculpture by the Lakes added, “I'm absolutely delighted to be asked to be on the judging panel for this fantastic competition. Personally, I will be really interested in seeing designs that are really quite spectacular which will not only be eye-catching and relevant but will also enhance the surrounding beauty of Silverlake."

The competition has opened for submissions and will close on 11th July 2021.

Competition guidelines include:

• Sculpture should be durable, sustainable and long-lasting
• Sculpture material to consider include, but are not limited to, stone, resin, steel, metal
• Sculpture should be at least two metres high
• Sculpture needs to enhance the current landscape and environment
• Designs can be submitted by any or all of the following methods
• Drawings / Plans
• Maquette
• 3D Visualisation
• The sculpture costs should not exceed £25,000

Submissions should be sent by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject, Sculpture Competition or by post to:

Sculpture Competition
Silverlake Dorset
Moreton Road
Warmwell
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 8HU

All information on the competition, including guidelines can be found at www.silverlakedorset.com/journal/silverlake-launches-national-sculpture-competition/