'Escape Vehicle No. 4' takes shape as part of Tatton Park Biennial. Photo © George Littler

There is something extraordinary taking shape in the gardens at Tatton Park. Over the past three weeks visitors and Tatton staff have been intrigued by the growth of an incredible structure.

Escape Vehicle No. 4 by Heather and Ivan Morison, is the first major work to begin construction in Tatton’s gardens for Tatton Park Biennial 2008.

The unseasonal snow adds another dimension to 'Escape Vehicle No. 4' at Tatton. Photo © Sam Youd

The dome is being created from fallen trees taken from Tatton’s parkland. The artists have been using Larch and Scots Pine to make the ‘bones’ of the structure and sweet chestnut to fashion the beautifully handcrafted shingles, which will eventually cover the dome.

Open triangular windows will make spots of light within the structure, reflecting the light from the water from Golden Brook by the Japanese Garden, where it is sited.

Heather and Ivan have been living in one of the holiday cottages at the farm during the creation of the work, which has really helped them to gain a sense of place.

Photo © Sam Youd

They have spent many hours working in all conditions on the dome. Heather commented, “it has been hard work but very satisfying. This is the first time we have worked so extensively with shingles and you really find yourself in a calm, almost Buddhist Zen state of mind working with these materials.”

At over five metres high and seven metres wide, the dome has already begun to provoke a great deal of interest from the general public. “Many people have come to see what we are doing and quite a few have said that they will be returning to take tea and ponder the gardens in it when it opens," added Heather.

Escape Vehicle No. 4 will be open to the public from May 3. On special occasions throughout the summer, tea will be served within the dome, creating a special point of meditation within the structure.

The Tatton Park Biennial will be staged from May to September 2008 and presented in association with Cheshire’s Year of Gardens 08.