KIELDER'S latest piece of open-air art installation is to be unveiled next week.

The covers will cover off Castles, Follies and Elephants on Wednesday, October 18.

It is a series of eight installations varying widely in shape, size and form, created by Newcastle artists and architects Oliver Perry, Claire Harper and James Perry.

It’s billed as a colourful, brave and surprising creation bound to arouse strong interest and opinion.

Castles, Follies and Elephants seeks to highlight the influences that have shaped the landscape of the North Tyne Valley and to emphasize the role the local landscape has played historically - from defence, to infrastructure, power and leisure.

Each creation within the project has been designed to respond to its selected site, but also to deliberately sit ‘unnaturally’ within it.

Visitors will be invited to interact with the pieces in different ways – the creations might simply frame a view, they may draw attention to the landscape’s history, or they might highlight the current forest management. Individual interpretations will be numerous.

The project was developed out of an inquiry into the history of the Kielder landscape and the institutions, individuals and organisations that have shaped the landscape and how it is used.

Each of the pieces references a moment in that potted history, from the 14th century pele towers, to the 1930s Lewie Camp and the vast underground infrastructure associated with the reservoir.

Castle, Follies and Elephants is predominantly constructed in wood and coated in thorough-coloured resin fibre glass for good weather resistance.

Kielder Art & Architecture offers an additional, ever-evolving assembly of over 25 widely different and dramatic installations located around the lake and within the forest to be enjoyed by all who visit.

Some are temporary and new art is frequently commissioned which means there is always something surprising and different to experience.

Peter Sharpe, art and architecture curator for Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, said: “I'm really pleased to see the new work Castles, Follies & Elephants coming into being.

“As part of our continual drive to bring innovative art and architecture to new audiences, Castles, Follies & Elephants is an immediately engaging visitor experience.

"However, it also addresses the way history is often made up of improbably linked elements and invites us to imagine how many other narrative connections could be harnessed to tell the story of a single place."

Alex MacLennan, public affairs manager for the Forestry Commission, said: “We are delighted to host these temporary pieces around the Kielder Castle grounds.

"These creations also tie in nicely with the theme of forest exploration whether by bike, foot, or through the Gruffalo Trail that has been enthralling children all summer. These new art and architecture additions will make for an even bigger adventure for families and visitors.”