Art & Culture
Michael Ayrton, a famous neo-romantic artist, sculptor and writer lived at Bradfields (the old manor house at Toppesfield Vineyard) between 1951 and 1975. Ayrton was friends with and inspired by Henry Moore, one of the most important British sculptors of the twentieth century, whose semi-abstract monumental bronzes can be seen all over the world.
Michael Ayrton’s work was characterised by a fascination for Greek myths, notably those of the Minotaur, Daedulus and Icarus. This was reflected in his series of powerful Minotaur and maze sculptures, drawings and etchings, with which the artist closely identified himself. Ayrton explored the rage, frustration and despair of the Minotaur creature, half-man and half-beast, trapped in its double identity and imprisoned in the darkness of the labyrinth.
The photographs below show one of his biggest personal triumphs, the Arkville Minotaur, which was sculpted in the Tudor barn at Bradfields. The Minotaur is now situated in London Wall Place, in the heart of the City of London.
While we would have loved to bring the Minotaur back to his birthplace at Bradfields, the price was prohibitive so we commissioned a local company to photograph him ‘in the raw’ and to transpose this image onto a contemporary acrylic display which now has pride of place in our luxury guest accommodation. We worked closely with the Fry Art Gallery in Saffron Walden and with Justine Hopkins, Ayrton’s step granddaughter and biographer, to compile an extensive photographic collection of Ayrton works.
To celebrate Michael Ayrton’s centenary in 2021, Justine Hopkins published a new book entitled Michael Ayrton Centenary: Ideas, Images, Reflections and launched a new website: michaelayrton.com. The Fry Art Gallery in Saffron Walden worked closely with Justine to curate and host an exhibition entitled ‘A Singular Obsession’ which brought together an unprecedented loan from the Ayrton Estate of 12 bronze sculptures and paintings, some of which had not been displayed since his death.
Bradfields is a truly unique and inspirational location; the house was built in the late 1300s and has been home to many creative residents over the years. Every generation brings something new. Justine Hopkins told us that Michael Ayrton was a bon-viveur and always had a very well stocked wine cellar: she believes he would have been delighted that our contribution to the history of Bradfields was the creation of an award-winning vineyard with on-site luxury accommodation, enabling guests to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Toppesfield, while only an hour or so away from the hussle and bustle of London. For those who love to paint, Toppesfield Vineyard offers the ideal location to cut off from the world, drink delicious wine and create new masterpieces.
For those who love to paint, Toppesfield Vineyard offers the ideal location to cut off from the world, drink delicious wine and create new masterpieces.
We would be delighted to welcome you to Toppesfield Vineyard’s Sculpture & Wine Festival Friday 12th – Sunday 14th June 2026 to enjoy our award winning wines while strolling around the vineyard and contemplating whether to purchase any of the beautiful sculptures on display for your home or garden.
Tickets can be booked via: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/toppesfield/e-jzjxmp
Henry Moore visited Bradfields on a number of occasions and we are delighted that two of the sculptors exhibiting in June have a strong connection with Henry Moore.