Bremner mimics hippo for art work

The life-like sculptures are made of bronze

The artist behind hippo sculptures in a Fife pond said impersonator Rory Bremner mimicked the animals to help her get the pose she needed.

Scottish artist, Tessa Campbell Fraser, said she was doing research in the Masai Mara in Kenya and her husband Mr Bremner was there doing charity work.

She said he imitated the hippos call which caused the animals to open their mouths to show their teeth.

Three hippos have been installed at Myres Castle, Auchtermuchty.

Cranes helped to lower them into the curling pond in the grounds of the castle on Wednesday.

It is imperative that these beasts are not only accurate in their anatomy but also that they work as a piece of sculpture Tessa Campbell Fraser

Mrs Fraser said: "Rory helped by impersonating their call which caused great confusion with the male hippos who believed from this that there was another beast vying for their female.

"This, in turn, made them open their mouths and show their teeth in a threatening manner - just what I needed.

"While the research was fun, it was also the key part in the creation of the hippos.

"It is imperative that these beasts are not only accurate in their anatomy but also that they work as a piece of sculpture."

The sculptures were bought by castle owners Jonathan and Jenny White.

Mr White said: "When we met with Tessa and heard about the hippos and the background to their creation, it was obvious to us that they would look terrific in our curling pond.

"Collecting art is our passion and the sculptures add a completely new dimension to what we have at Myres Castle.

"The pond is a focal point for visitors as they arrive at the castle and the hippos will inject a sense of personality and provide a further piece of interest."

The grounds of Myres Castle are normally closed to the public, however the owners have decided to open it up on Monday 31 August so people can see the hippos.