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Get your skates on for Ice Sculpting Festival
By Saadeya Shamsuddin 08.01.09London Ice Sculpting Festival
9-11 January 2009
Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road
Want to enjoy London's current cold snap in a uniquely creative experience? Following the success of its outdoor ice-rink in South Kensington, the Natural History Museum will be hosting London's first International Ice Sculpting Festival. With the growing popularity of outdoor skating in the capital over the past few years it's a wonder this rink-side event wasn't thought of sooner.
Open from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 January, entry to this three-day family event is free. Visitors can enjoy watching five world famous ice-sculpting teams compete to translate the theme of Wildlife in the City, transforming blocks of ice into sparkling, ephemeral works of art.
The idea was inspired when festival organiser and art critic Carol Cordey witnessed snow sculpting at the Swiss ski resort in Grindelwald. Her aim is to recreate a similar dynamic, fun-filled atmosphere for all the capital to enjoy:
"London is the epicentre of the art world but, until now, it has not even been on the map of competitive ice sculpting," she said.
"My personal mantra is 'Art for all'…I knew we had not just the perfect venue, but all the right ingredients for a thrilling, magical art event."
And if you're willing to brave the chilly temperatures, visitors aged 12 or above will also have the rare opportunity to try their own hand at ice sculpting in the scheduled Master classes, under expert guidance of ice art specialists The Ice Box. To take part in one of the five sessions over the weekend, be sure to get your skates on and get down to the museum grounds early, as places are limited and on a first come first serve basis.
The festival will round off on Sunday afternoon when the ice sculptures will be judged, and the winning team awarded a specially designed glass trophy. Judges will include the internationally renowned sculptor Philip Jackson.
So why not be a part of this special event taking place in the heart of London's museum-land? If things get a bit too chilly you can always pop into the rink-side Café Bar for a reviving mug of hot chocolate, before braving the cold and the ice again.
For more information check out: www.londonicesculptingfestival.co.uk
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