A one‑tonne revolving bronze piece, conceived “on a whim” by Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, has been installed in the Secret Garden of Longleath Safari Park, Wiltshire. The work, officially titled Struggles and Triumphs, represents a man astride a horse and rotates slowly on a concealed mechanism.

Ronnie Wood, who began drawing and painting at the age of twelve, has cultivated an artistic career that runs parallel to a celebrated music trajectory. Despite being widely recognised as a guitarist for The Rolling Stones, Ronnie Wood has consistently pursued visual‑art ventures, ranging from charcoal sketches to large‑scale sculptures.

From Sketchbook to Bronze: The Creation of Struggles and Triumphs

The origin of Struggles and Triumphs lies in a modest, single‑afternoon sketch that Ronnie Wood produced while visiting an equine‑themed exhibition. The original, smaller composition captured the dynamic relationship between rider and steed, a motif that has long fascinated Ronnie Wood.

Motivated by a sudden impulse, Ronnie Wood transferred the sketch onto a full‑size model, working continuously without interruption. In his own words, the sculpture was completed “in one sitting”. The process unfolded at a specialist foundry where the bronze was poured, chased, and finished over a period of three to six months. During that interval, foundry technicians proposed a rotating base, a suggestion that Ronnie Wood embraced, describing the idea as “brilliant”.

The final bronze work measures approximately two metres in height and weighs roughly one tonne. The rotating platform, powered by a discreet electric motor, ensures that viewers encounter the piece from multiple angles, accentuating the interplay of light and shadow across the patinated surface.

Longleath Safari Park’s Secret Garden: An Ideal Setting

Upon learning that Longleath Safari Park intended to place Struggles and Triumphs within the historic Secret Garden, Ronnie Wood expressed “very excited” enthusiasm, emphasising that the location felt “perfect for it”. The Secret Garden, a secluded enclave surrounded by mature woodland and vibrant flora, offers an intimate backdrop that mirrors the sculpture’s thematic focus on the bond between humanity and animal.

Longleath Safari Park’s public relations spokesperson confirmed that the institution was “thrilled” to receive a loan of one of Ronnie Wood’s “incredible sculptures”. The spokesperson added that the sculpture’s presence would enrich the visitor experience, providing a cultural highlight alongside the park’s renowned wildlife attractions.

Ceawlin Thynn, the 8th Marquess of Bath, articulated delight at the arrival of Struggles and Triumphs, noting that “it is in an area which is just perfect for it – it looks like it was made to be there”. Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath, echoed the sentiment, describing the piece as “beautiful” and praising the “stunning colours that will change with the seasons as the light bathing it changes”.

Artistic Vision and Conservation Advocacy

Both Ronnie Wood and Emma Thynn serve as ambassadors for the African wildlife‑conservation charity Tusk. Their partnership with Tusk originated at a fundraising event where Emma Thynn acquired a pink‑silver studded gorilla artwork created by Ronnie Wood’s spouse. This encounter forged a lasting collaborative relationship centred on protecting endangered species.

Ronnie Wood has articulated his motivation for supporting Tusk, stating a desire for “kids and other people’s children to be able to see animals such as rhinos, lions, tigers”. By aligning the exhibition of Struggles and Triumphs with Longleath Safari Park’s conservation mission, Ronnie Wood hopes to raise awareness of the importance of preserving these iconic creatures for future generations.

Longleath Safari Park, renowned for its resident rhinos, lions, and tigers, offers an appropriate venue for this message. Ronnie Wood commented, “Longleath is wonderful. Conservation of these animals is so important to protect them for the future”. The sculpture’s rotating motion, reflecting the perpetual struggle and triumph inherent in wildlife survival, serves as a visual metaphor for the ongoing battle against poaching and habitat loss.

Technical Details and Visitor Experience

Struggles and Triumphs is mounted on a steel axle hidden beneath a shallow concrete basin that doubles as a reflective pool. The pool’s surface mirrors the bronze at sunrise and sunset, creating an ever‑changing tableau that captivates visitors. The rotating mechanism operates on a low‑speed motor, completing a full revolution every ten minutes, thereby granting ample time for observation from any entry point.

Interpretive signage placed nearby explains the sculpture’s genesis, the collaboration between Ronnie Wood and the foundry, and the broader conservation narrative championed by Tusk. The signage also lists specific species highlighted by Tusk’s campaigns, encouraging park guests to engage with the charity’s initiatives.

Throughout the summer months, the Secret Garden hosts guided tours that incorporate discussions of art, wildlife, and environmental stewardship. The inclusion of Struggles and Triumphs has prompted the development of a specialised “Art & Conservation” itinerary, which highlights the interplay between creative expression and ecological responsibility.

Broader Context: Ronnie Wood’s Artistic Legacy

Ronnie Wood’s artistic pursuits extend beyond Struggles and Triumphs. Early in his career, Ronnie Wood attended Ealing Art College during the 1960s, receiving formal training in drawing, painting, and sculpture. This foundation has informed a lifelong practice that sees Ronnie Wood producing album covers, stage designs, and personal artworks for charitable causes.

Ronnie Wood’s visual‑art portfolio includes a series of portraits of fellow musicians, a collection of equine studies, and a number of monumental bronze pieces displayed in public spaces across the United Kingdom. Each work shares a thematic preoccupation with movement, humanity’s relationship with nature, and the dynamic tension between struggle and triumph.

Art historians have noted that Ronnie Wood’s dual identity as a rock musician and a fine‑artist provides a unique lens through which to view contemporary British cultural output. By fusing the energy of performance with the contemplative nature of sculpture, Ronnie Wood creates objects that resonate on multiple sensory levels.

Longleath Safari Park’s Commitment to Cultural Enrichment

Longleath Safari Park’s decision to host Struggles and Triumphs reflects an ongoing strategy to integrate art within natural environments. The park’s recent initiatives include seasonal sculpture trails, rotating exhibitions of wildlife photography, and collaborative projects with local artisans.

By embedding high‑profile works such as Struggles and Triumphs within the visitor journey, Longleath Safari Park aims to deepen public engagement, encouraging guests to contemplate the connection between aesthetic experience and ecological awareness.

Longleath Safari Park’s educational department reports a measurable increase in visitor interest in conservation topics following the installation of the sculpture, indicating the success of the interdisciplinary approach.