A new art installation is letting visitors walk around the insides of a giant ornamental wedding cake.
Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos has created an immersive sculpture shaped like a three-tiered wedding cake in the grounds of Waddesdon Manor.
Vasconcelos's new sculpture is twelve metres high and takes inspiration from the artist's native Lisbon with its decorative Baroque buildings.
Opening to the public this summer, the sculpture is described as a "temple to love".
It was commissioned by the Rothschild Foundation and will sit near The Dairy at Waddesdon, which is a popular events and entertainment space.
The collaboration between Lord Rothschild and Vasconcelos is progressive in sourcing handmade ceramic tiles from Portuguese manufacturer Viuva Lamego.
Vasconcelos praised Lord Rothschild for seeing the project's "dreamlike potential", with the commission showing promise for the Rothschild Foundation's future investment in the art world.
Vasconcelos said she had been addressing the subject of love throughout her career for almost 30 years, but described the 'Wedding Cake' as her biggest challenge so far.
"Many artists have the 'impossible project' and this is mine. I wanted people to have three different approaches to it: looking from the outside, enjoying the surroundings from the different levels, and rising to the top, finally completing the artwork with their presence."
Joana Vasconcelos's giant candlesticks, Lafite, are already on display at Waddesdon. 'Wedding Cake' is a further example of her technique of enlarging domestic objects.
Lord Rothschild, who lives at the manor, said the Portuguese artist's vision perfectly matched the imagination of Baron Ferdinand, who created Waddesdon.
He said: "Baron Ferdinand intended that his many friends would be surprised and delighted at every turn. I'm sure the 'Wedding Cake' will have just as great an impact on visitors and wedding guests today."
When the exhibit opens in June, guests will be able to explore both inside and outside the impressive structure, which features lighting schemes and patisserie-style ornaments.
Director of Waddesdon, Pippa Shirley, added: "Waddesdon was built to entertain, so what better way to mark that spirit of hospitality and artistic creativity than through the commission of this magical object.
"Projects like this require a leap of faith from both artist and patron, and we are proud to have been a partner in this innovative work."
The 'Wedding Cake' sculpture will open for public tours on June 8.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here