Highfield House

Highfield House is a Victorian building built in 1880, and was originally the home of a local lace maker. We know that the house was a residence in the 1960s, but over recent years has been used as office accommodation. It is for that use that Michael purchased it in 2002, and he has slowly been developing its ambience so that it is in keeping with the quality of his professional activity.

The gardens have been tastefully landscaped by Lee Norbury and the statue which once stood in the front garden was a much valued and frequently visited feature in the local townscape. The statue was created by sculptor, Rueben Kyte (www.reubenkyte.com), and the images below show how Rueben was able to fulfil Michael's two key criteria for success:

• The sculpture should hold visual illusion;
• It should hold such impact that a ten year old would turn to his Mother and say, 'Hey Mum do you see that!'

Sadly, the statue was stolen in November 2008 and has never been recovered.  It is unclear whether it was stolen for its artistic merit or whether the thief assumed it had metal content.  If the latter, then they would have been disappointed as it was made of bronze powder and resin; if they stole it for its beauty it is hoped that one day it will be returned to its rightful home. 

 

Within Highfield House is a cast of the face of Carla Young who was the model for the sculpture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other works of art within the building include specially commissioned pieces by Deborah Allitt. The visitor to the building is greeted by a beautiful watercolour in the entrance hallway where a drift of pansies and violas come alive through backlighting.  Further into the building, on the first floor, Deborah has painted a willow bower mural directly onto the walls.  These wonderful pieces of work are shown here.

A selection of Deborah's work can be viewed on her website at www.deborahallittpaintings.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

Another painting that draws much interest and admiration is the abstract by Chloe Fortescue.  Oil on canvas, it is layered with the story of Highfield House and draws many interesting interpretations from visitors.  Despite its ambiguous nature, it resonates perfectly with the building and helps give the Meeting Room a special quality of tranquility that is commented upon by many.