Photo: Chris Booth.
The world premiere of Cervo marked the completion of the Cart Shed Garden – the final chapter in a nine-year, multi-million-pound transformation of Auckland Palace’s 10 acres of restored gardens.
The special event, attended by Dr Arnab Basu MBE, High Sheriff of the County Palatine of Durham, marked the world premiere of Cervo, an extraordinary cello created by internationally renowned and award-winning luthier Paris Andrew.
Inspired by the historic 150-acre Deer Park surrounding Auckland Palace, the unique instrument combines traditional craftsmanship with bold artistic design. Handcrafted by Ms Andrew, the cello features distinctive antler-shaped sound holes, an intricately sculpted scroll and delicate gold detailing along its ribs.
Paris is an internationally recognised violin and cello maker whose work bridges tradition and innovation. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and The Churchill Trust, she trained in London before undertaking advanced studies in Florence with some of Italy’s leading masters. Her instruments are played by distinguished musicians around the world, and she is particularly celebrated for her imaginative “anomaly” violins, which draw inspiration from art, nature and history.
Friends of The Auckland Project and invited guests were among the first in the world to see and hear Cervo, with its inaugural public performance delivered by young musicians Grace Marwood, Eric Yeung and Freddie Grimwade in the newly completed Cart Shed Garden.
The event celebrated The Auckland Project’s commitment to championing creativity, heritage and Northern talent, bringing together innovative craftsmanship, exceptional musicianship and the historic landscape of Auckland Palace.
Jane Ruffer, CEO of The Auckland Project, said: “We’re passionate about creating experiences that inspire people and celebrate the extraordinary stories and talent found here in the North. The world premiere of Cervo was a truly memorable occasion, bringing together exceptional craftsmanship, gifted young musicians and the remarkable landscape of Auckland Palace.
“The completion of the Cart Shed Garden provided the perfect setting for this landmark event, inviting visitors to experience our heritage in a completely new way. It was wonderful to see so many supporters and guests join us to celebrate another exciting chapter in the continuing transformation of Auckland Palace.”
Paris Andrew said: “Cervo is unlike any instrument I’ve ever made. The inspiration came directly from the magnificent Deer Park at Auckland Palace, and I wanted the cello to capture something of the grace, strength and beauty of the deer that have roamed these landscapes for centuries.
“Every detail, from the antler-shaped sound holes to the sculpted scroll and goldwork, has been carefully crafted to tell that story. To unveil the instrument in the very place that inspired it, and to hear it played publicly for the first time by such talented musicians, was incredibly special. The response from the audience made the occasion even more memorable.”
Dr Arnab Basu MBE DL, High Sheriff of the County Palatine of Durham, said: “It was a privilege to attend the world premiere of Cervo in the magnificent surroundings of Auckland Palace. The evening beautifully demonstrated how heritage, creativity and community can come together to create something truly extraordinary.
“Paris Andrew’s remarkable craftsmanship, combined with outstanding performances from talented young musicians from Durham University and the new Cart Shed Garden, made for a memorable celebration of innovation and cultural excellence that lies here right on our doorstep. The Auckland Project continues to show how investment in arts and heritage can inspire people, strengthen communities and shine a spotlight on the remarkable talent we have here in County Durham and the North East.”
The event also celebrated a new partnership between The Auckland Project and Chapel Down, England’s leading wine producer, which is supporting the Friends of The Auckland Project programme. Guests enjoyed a selection of Chapel Down’s award-winning English wines while exploring Auckland Palace’s 10-acres of meticulously restored gardens.
Renowned for its sparkling and still wines crafted from vineyards across South East England, Chapel Down has become one of the country’s most recognised champions of English winemaking and is a partner to some of Britain’s most prestigious cultural and sporting institutions, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Opera House and Ascot Racecourse.
The completion of the Cart Shed Garden marks another milestone in the ongoing transformation of the Auckland Palace estate, creating a welcoming new space for visitors and local communities. Designed by landscape architect Pip Morrison, the garden links the Wilderness Garden and Paradise Garden, with an emphasis on community use and learning. A building with a kitchenette provides space for groups to gather, while solid oak trestle tables, crafted by volunteers from a fallen tree, celebrate the site’s connection with nature and sustainability.
Auckland Palace served as the principal country residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham for more than 800 years. Today, its restored gardens and 150-acre Deer Park form part of The Auckland Project, a regeneration charity using arts, culture and heritage to drive long-term social and economic change in Bishop Auckland.
Visitors can explore Auckland Palace, the Spanish Gallery, Mining Art Gallery, Faith Museum, Binchester Roman Fort, along with its extensive gardens and Deer Park.
For more information, visit www.aucklandproject.org.
For anyone interested in becoming a Friend of The Auckland Project, please visit https://aucklandproject.org/support-us/become-a-friend/.
