THE flock of sheep grazing on the lawn seem remarkably still and, on closer inspection, they turn out to be fibreglass.

But these are not just statues, they are rather unusual seats and are part of a new exhibition called Sitting Pretty, which has just opened at Belsay Hall, in Northumberland.

The sheep were created by three young designers, who have recently graduated from the University of Northumbria.

Rose Wong, Stephanie Oliver and Seton Wakenshaw formed the Newcastle-based wowdesigners in 2000 and were awarded this year's Belsay Fellowship, aimed at nurturing young designers.

Miss Wong, who is from Middlesbrough, said: "We were given a brief to bring together the grandeur of the hall and the gardens and we came up with the sheep.

"We were really pleased to have won the fellowship. It's a wonderful experience and opportunity for us to be involved in an exhibition with some of the biggest names in design."

Belsay Hall and its magnificent gardens were created in the early 19th Century by Sir Charles Monck and it is now owned by English Heritage.

The house's vast, empty rooms have been transformed and furnished with a collection of contemporary designs, including David Linley's red leather chair, inspired by the Aston Martin racing car, and Pleasurescape by Karim Rashid, made from moulded polyester and resembling a futuristic landscape.

Other exhibits include a gigantic sofa that seats 40 people, stools that glow in the dark and a fibre optic chair.

Many of the exhibits cross the boundary between practical seating and sculpture. Visitors are invited to touch, feel, sit and even lie on some of the exhibits.

Sitting Pretty follows the successful Living at Belsay and Sitooteries exhibitions at the hall, and another is planned for 2004.

It is funded by English Heritage and Northern Arts, and is curated by Judith Hall, from Darlington.

She said: "At first glance, heritage and contemporary arts don't seem to be ideal partners, but we have been proving since 1996 that they are.

"The stark architecture of the hall provides a fascinating setting for the pieces and perhaps encourages people to look at the hall in a different way."

* Sitting Pretty will run until August 28. Belsay Hall is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Admission costs £4 for adults, £3 concessions and £2 for children, including admission to the exhibition.