ARTISTS from Wath-upon-Dearne are transforming one of the region’s most iconic interiors into a giant lion sculpture for the upcoming Pride of Yorkshire trail.

Sam Piper and Joe Philpot from Heritage Scenic Studio have taken inspiration from the Marble Saloon floor at Wentworth Woodhouse, translating its distinctive pattern onto their lion design.

Their lion will become part of Pride of Yorkshire, a major public art trail celebrating 150 years of Sheffield Children’s Hospital, which will see 150 large lion sculptures and 150 cubs installed across Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster this summer.

Joe said the project had also been an opportunity to showcase the craft behind scenic artistry.

He added: “As scenic artists we normally work on a much bigger scale for theatre and film, so this has been a really nice chance to focus on the smaller details people will be able to see up close.

“Scenic art draws on techniques that have been developed over centuries.

“We’re hoping this project helps shine a light on the level of skill and craftsmanship involved, and the wide range of techniques scenic artists use to create these effects.”

Using traditional scenic painting techniques commonly seen in theatre and film set design, the artists are carefully building up the marble effect layer by layer using feathering, rag rolling, spray techniques and fine brush detailing.

Sam said: “The idea is that when you look at the lion from the front, it almost feels as though the marble floor is wrapped around it.”