Meet Pepperpot the Mole, in the inspiring art and nature project, at Ilam Park.
- Published:
- 24 July 2025
Brand new sculpture Pepperpot the Mole has been unveiled at Ilam Park, by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Asbestos. The artwork forms the heart of a wider art and nature project, aimed at connecting visitors to the historic landscape of the National Trust property. The Arts Council England funded ‘Mole Hole’ programme, also includes a family adventure trail and children’s craft workshops throughout the summer.
Giant sculpture makes an impact at Ilam Park.
The 4-metre-high outdoor sculpture, Pepperpot the Mole, was unveiled on Saturday 19 July, set against the backdrop of the beautifully manicured gardens and grounds of Ilam Park.
Creator Bruce Asbestos is known for bringing a fun and modern take to places steeped in history. With previous work exploring themes of community, friendship and connection, Bruce’s work manages to delight audiences of all ages, challenging the everyday through a sense of fun and playfulness. He displayed at the Tate Modern, in April 2025, and mixes high art, fashion, social media and video games - responding to global pop culture.
Inspiration behind Pepperpot the Mole
Bruce, who lives and works in Nottingham, describes where the inspiration for his latest work came from: “It’s exciting for me to come to this very grand and imposing landscape and look at how I might respond in a different way to it.
“The first thing I really noticed when I arrived, was the stunning view of Thorpe Cloud. As I was looking into the distance, I stepped forward onto a mole hill. When I looked at the view again, I thought it almost looked like a giant mole hill on the horizon and that’s where the idea started.
“For me it’s also about trying to pull out the fun from the space, so I wanted to create something that encapsulates a link between these elements.
“I hope Pepperpot brings some fun into thinking about the natural environment for people.”
Inspiring artists and visitors over generations.
Ilam Park has been inspiring artists over hundreds of years. The iconic view of the flat-topped hill Thorpe Cloud, that forms a backdrop to the parkland, was painted onto a Wedgwood plate made for Empress Catherine the Great of Russia in the 1770s. It's the same view that also inspired Bruce's artwork.
Craig Best, General Manager of the National Trust in the Peak District said: “Of course we want our audience to have fun when they visit, but we also want more people to connect with nature and the heritage of the site. Pepperpot the Mole does just that - and hopefully also encourages children and adults alike to explore their creativity in some way.”
Free trail and children's craft workshops
An exciting ‘Mole Mission’ adventure trail across Ilam Park’s grounds has also been designed to appeal to families, but anyone can take part. Visitors can see where else Pepperpot the Mole has been popping up, finding out marvellous facts about moles and nature along the way.
Ten free drop-in craft workshops for children are also on offer to learn about the ‘hidden nature’ within Ilam Park’s grounds. The workshops, due to start on 29 July, are inspired by Bruce’s work and are held in a riverside bell tent.
Ilam Park is uniquely positioned to offer an accessible experience of art and nature. It contains Ilam Hall, which is used as a youth hostel, surrounded by ornate Italian gardens, parkland, a tea-room and book shop. A recently completed 1km loop of accessible pathways around the grounds and a Changing Places toilet further enhance access to the park.
Pepperpot the Mole will be above ground and free to view until 2 November.