AN experimental ice sculpture will go on display at Norton Priory Museum and Gardens this summer celebrating its monastic past.

The Georgian Ice House will be home to a large-scale, experimental ice bell that will release objects and play sounds as it melts.

The installation references the Liturgy of the Hours, a daily cycle of communal prayer that would have been observed by monks at the priory.

Created by artist David Appleyard, Time in the Ice House is part of Meeting Point2, a year-long project led by contemporary art agency Arts&Heritage that sees artists partner with museums in Yorkshire, the north west and the north east to produce new artworks inspired by the museums and their collections.

David said: “I have always been fascinated by the various ways time was measured in the middle ages, from beeswax candles and water clocks to sundials and our very own body clocks.

“All were commonly used in monastic communities to ensure the set daily cycle of prayer.

"That really formed the basis of my idea to mark the passing of time through the dripping of water.

“The priory’s original bell was another source of inspiration as this would also have been used as a call to prayer.

"I decided to combine the two ideas to create an artwork that celebrates the museum’s history and the objects of its past.”

Time in the Ice House will be installed inside the museum’s Ice House from August 22.

The experiment will be in place for at least seven days and will conclude when the block of ice has melted.

Singing bowls will sit under the large ice sculpture marking the release of an object with a sound.

Visitors will be able to visit the Ice House to experience the soundscape as the ice bell melts over time.

The priory's director Frank Hargrave said: “Contemporary art has always had a place at Norton Priory Museum and Gardens so we are delighted to be working with David on this unique installation.

“The Ice House has a fascinating history and for many visitors David’s ice sculpture will be their first experience of the building.

"Using artwork to help tell the story of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens is something we are very excited about.”

Timandra Nichols, director at Arts&Heritage, said: “David undertook a huge amount of historical research to develop his Meeting Point2 commission and it will really add to the existing collections at Norton Priory Museum and Gardens when it opens later this summer.”