New interactive installation at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve near Fakenham

A new interactive installation at Pensthorpe is lighting up the nature reserve as visitors explore the picturesque gardens and enjoy a summer’s day out.

Located beside the Millennium Garden and Glade Sculpture Garden at the attraction near Fakenham, the ‘Out of the Cocoon’ installation is designed by Norfolk artist, Amber Stefani, who owns and runs the Amberlights studio and has previously showcased her work at Norwich City Cathedral and several London locations.

Complementing the butterfly species found at the nature reserve, ‘Out of the Cocoon’ is inspired by wildlife and sustainability and stands at three metres tall and over four metres wide. Iridescent rainbows in an array of mesmerizing colours are powered by solar panels, and since being installed, the piece already has many admirers.

As visitors take a well-earned rest on the artwork or get up close to see it in all its glory, they will uncover fascinating facts about the butterfly ecosystem. Engravings around the installation provide interesting insight into the creatures and the environment they live in.

Charly Barnes, head of marketing at Pensthorpe, said: “At Pensthorpe, we always love to find new ways to enhance our guests’ experience and partnering with Amberlights is a wonderful way to bring an exciting new feature to the reserve for a period of time, which also complements what Pensthorpe is all about - bringing locals closer to nature.”

‘Out of the Cocoon’ is located close to the Glade Sculpture Garden, where visitors will find a specially curated collection of sculptures that complement Pensthorpe’s habitats. Opened in 2022, the garden is now even more established and full of evergreens, hellebores and wildflowers, featuring a 12ft fairy centrepiece by Robin Wright, as well as intricate mosaics handmade by Katie Green and glass artwork by Jenny Pickford.

Pensthorpe has further plans to shine a light on the talented artists and sculptors in the local area by regularly alternating the exhibits displayed in the gardens, and potential artists are encouraged to contact the reserve about the opportunity.

Amber Stefani, founder of Amberlights, added: “I’m a true believer in making artwork accessible but also interactive. ‘Out of the Cocoon’ is a wonderful way for children to interreact with art in a sensory way, by finding the colour and iridescent rainbows and feeling the structure. With Pensthorpe’s heart rooted in conservation and wildlife, it makes perfect sense for this piece to be here whilst visitors observe the different species of butterfly that call the reserve home.”