Auckland Palace will host the world premiere of the world’s only handcrafted “deer” cello this summer, as internationally renowned and award-winning luthier Paris Andrew unveils her extraordinary new creation during a special event celebrating the completion of Auckland Palace’s Cart Shed Garden.
Inspired by the historic 150-acre Deer Park surrounding Auckland Palace, the unique instrument, named Cervo, 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 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.
The unveiling will take place on Friday, July 17, in the newly completed Cart Shed Garden – the final addition to the series of restored landscapes surrounding Auckland Palace. Friends of The Auckland Project and invited guests will be among the first in the world to both see and hear the instrument during its inaugural public performance.
The world-premiere recital will be performed by acclaimed young musicians Grace Marwood, Eric Yeung and Freddie Grimwade, bringing the one-of-a-kind cello to life for the very first time.
The event celebrates 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 unveiling of Cervo is a wonderful example of that, bringing together exceptional craftsmanship, gifted young musicians and the remarkable landscape of Auckland Palace.
“The completion of the Cart Shed Garden provides the perfect setting for this world premiere, inviting visitors to connect with our heritage in a completely new way. We hope this unique event will leave audiences with a lasting memory of Bishop Auckland as a place where history, art and nature come together.”
Friends of the Auckland Project
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, is incredibly special.”
The event will also mark the beginning of 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 attending the world premiere will be invited to enjoy a selection of Chapel Down’s award-winning English wines while exploring the Cart Shed Garden.
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 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, 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 new space for visitors and local communities to enjoy the historic grounds.
The garden is the final element in the series of gardens at Auckland Palace, designed by landscape architect Pip Morrison. The space links the Wilderness Garden and the Paradise Garden and has an emphasis on community use and learning. A building with a kitchenette offers space for groups to gather, with solid oak trestles made from a fallen tree by woodwork volunteers.
Auckland Palace served as the principal country residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham for more than 800 years. Today, its meticulously 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.
The event is by invitation for Friends of the Auckland Project and invited guests. Music and images from the event will be shared online. For anyone interested in becoming a Friend of The Auckland Project, please visit https://aucklandproject.org/support-us/become-a-friend/.
