Excitement builds over charolais statues

English sculptor Paul Day with one of his Battle of Britain pieces.Photo / Supplied

One of the leading sculptors in the world is set to see his first commissioned artwork in the Southern Hemisphere unveiled in Hawke's Bay next month.

Paul Day's newest work will be unveiled at Craggy Range's Giants Winery by owners Terry Peabody and his family at a function on October 2 - with the artwork being three bronze charolais cattle sculptures encompassing a bull, a cow and a calf - each a tribute to the rich, rural landscape of Hawke's Bay.

Mr Day, who achieved acclaim for several monuments in London including a Battle of Britain memorial and a monument to the Queen Mother, will be present for the unveiling with the sculptures under wraps until then.

Mr Peabody and his wife Mary, who are long-time admirers of Mr Day's work, contacted him and commissioned the works.

"Our hope is that the sculptures at Craggy Range will add to the wonderful landscape of art that already exists in Hawke's Bay and may contribute to increasing the diversity of tourism in the region."

The couple said they were delighted Mr Day had agreed to create the sculptures.

"He is widely regarded as one of the world's best sculptors, but has never had a piece commissioned outside of the Northern Hemisphere," Mr Peabody said.

Mr Day said he was thrilled to create the works as they offered a unique connection between the old world and the new world - he has charolais cattle grazing near his home in Burgundy, which is one of the hearts of old world winemaking.

"These statuesque and magnificent creatures live alongside wine country in France so there is nothing unnatural about seeing them among the vines at Craggy Range in Hawke's Bay."

After the unveiling Queensland-based art dealer and patron Philip Bacon will host a discussion with Mr Day and Craggy Range chief winemaker Matt Stafford on landscape and agriculture, and how it affects them in their own areas of individual "artistry".

Craggy Range is staging a four-course wine-matched dinner at the Terroir Restaurant to complete the occasion, although tickets are limited.