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Sculptures rock

Sculptures rock
Sculptures rock

Music icons such as Bono, Frank Sinatra and the Sex Pistols will gather together at a Kent mansion.

Yet do not expect a concert from the collection of rock and roll royalty – also including the Who, Michael Jackson, Madonna and the Spice Girls. They are, in fact, a collection of sculptures by Kent artist Guy Portelli.

The ex-Medway College of Art student boosted his reputation after an appearance on BBC show Dragon’s Den in 2008.

He will display his entire collection of work together for the first time at Ightham Mote, near Sevenoaks. The exhibition spans more than 30 years and includes Guy’s Pop Icon collection, which was funded as a result of his Dragon’s Den success.

“I think of pop stars as modern-day knights, with a hedonistic lifestyle, fast cars and stately homes,” said Tonbridge-based Guy.

Sculptures rock
Sculptures rock

Ightham Mote property manager Bernadette Gillow said: “The house dates back to 1320, and has a long association with the arts, in particular John Singer Sargent and Henry James. We love the idea of medieval knights being the rock stars of their day – it’s a great way of linking the 14th and 21st centuries. And we are excited to be celebrating this through Guy’s exhibition.”

Guy is vice-president of the Royal Society of British Artists and a Fellow of the Royal British Society of Sculptors. Born in Durban, South Africa, in 1957, he has lived and worked in Tonbridge for the last 40 years. The exhibition of more than 50 artworks and sculptures is called Rocking the Mote and runs until Monday, October 1.

Guy will host a talk with Antiques Roadshow expert Lennox Cato – whose dealership is based in Edenbridge – on Friday, September 14.

Gift Aid admission £11.50, children £5.75, families £29. Call 01732 810378.

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