Lloyd Le Blanc’s sculptures at Le Manoir are a captivating testament to his talent for creating large-scale bronze pieces that exude both vitality and serenity. His works, prominently displayed throughout the gardens, engage visitors with their intricate details and lifelike presence. One of the most striking pieces is ‘Les Artichauts’ that greets guests at the entrance of Le Manoir and offers a glimpse into its aesthetic world. Each leaf and curve of the artichokes reflects Lloyd’s keen eye for detail and his ability to infuse everyday objects with a sense of grandeur and character.

“Having seen some beautiful artichokes in my gardens one afternoon, I was in awe of their dramatic shapes. At 1am in the morning, I called Lloyd to tell him about my idea of creating a 6 x 10-metre-tall bronze artichoke. Lloyd responded that it would take him four years to create such a huge piece and a nocturnal debate ensued - but we finally agreed on 4 metres and the silver-grey leaved celebration of art and food was underway. “

Raymond Blanc OBE