Goodwood is best known for its race meetings - horses and cars - but there's another, much more arty side to this grand estate.

For situated in its extensive grounds, set among the ancient woodlands of the Sussex Downs, in a haven of peace and tranquillity, is some of the best outdoor sculpture from today's leading British artists. There are more than 70 stunning sculptures on display including those by artist Tony Cragg (one of which is pictured above).

The monumental works of art are there thanks to The Cass Sculpture Foundation. Its founder, Wilfred Cass, lives in the grounds of the sculpture park with his wife Jeannette.

Wilfred, 82, set up the pioneering and incredibly successful Image Bank UK - one of the UK's largest supplier of film and photography for the advertising industry - and was also the chairman and chief executive of Moss Bros Plc.

Since retiring, Wilfred and Jeannette co-founded the registered charity (previously known as Sculpture at Goodwood) in 1992 with the aim of promoting and advancing British sculpture to a worldwide audience.

He says: 'When we bought the property we put in some sculptures and they looked so magnificent, that we had to think quite hard about whether we wanted to continue collecting.

'Nowhere else in the world are there so many sculptures in such a beautiful setting. It's unique.' Wilfred says the couple 'live over the shop' and work harder now than ever before. 'It's a passion for both of us,' he says.

This month Wilfred was awarded the CBE in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List for services to art. He is modest about the achievement. 'I still haven't quite got used to the shock. But it's good for the foundation and will help attract even more international recognition for British sculptors.'

Article first published in The Guide, Friday June 30, 2006.