New Forest “fairy door” art trail launches
31 May 2023
An exciting new “fairy door” art trail created by artists and people with learning disabilities opens this month at Furzey Gardens, a secret woodland garden nestled in the New Forest National Park.
Local artists have been busy designing 30 four-foot “fairy doors” to create a unique new trail to thrill visitors of all ages from 27 May to 3 September. The doors themselves were made by people with a learning disability in one of Minstead Trust’s workshops and then decorated by artists.
The Trust runs Furzey Gardens and supports over 300 people along the south coast to live more independent lives
Amongst the distinctively-decorated doors, 24 are by local artists, three have been designed by people with learning disabilities, two have been created by local schools Beaulieu Village Primary and St John’s Primary School and Nursery, and another by children of Fostering Hampshire Children as part of their #OpenYourDoor campaign.
Door designs range from mermaids and dragons to fairies and space animals. Many of the doors are three dimensional, depicting local themes related to Arthur Conan Doyle, Alice in Wonderland and the seaside.
The enchanting new doors will now appear throughout Furzey Gardens and at locations across the New Forest:
- New Forest Heritage Centre, Lyndhurst
- Cyclexperience, Brockenhurst
- Hythe Pier
- Rosie Lea House, Brockenhurst
- Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Totton.
Simon Chadwick, a participating local artist, added: “I hope these wonderfully one-off fairy doors will act as a real catalyst for people far and wide to come discover the beauty of Furzey Gardens. I was drawn to the project as I really wanted to support people with a learning disability and it’s truly been the most wonderful project to be a part of.”
Visitors can bid for the doors throughout the summer, with the auction concluding at the end of September. Money raised will go towards supporting people with learning disabilities who work in the gardens and beyond.
Jay Powell, Furzey Gardens Director, said: ‘Furzey Gardens is a really magical place so we’re delighted that our fairy door project adds another creative dimension for our visitors to enjoy. We’re so proud of everyone who has brought this project to life and we can’t wait to see people come and enjoy it through the summer and give them an open window into the lives of people with a learning disability in a completely different way.’
Visitors to the trail can text to vote for their favourite to be crowned The People’s Champion, with the winning artist offered the chance to display their art at Furzey Gardens next year.
Artists’ Fairy Doors at Furzey Gardens is kindly supported by Beaumont Water Heaters and Fostering Hampshire Children.
To find out more and book tickets to visit the gardens, go to www.furzey-gardens.org