Canalside sculpture is top of the class

Fri, Nov 11th 2005, 11:00

Pupils from two schools in Chester and North Wales arrived in style to celebrate their part in helping to create a stunning sculpture beside the Shropshire Union Canal, near to Hoole Lane, Chester.

Inspired by the canal’s history and heritage, the public art has been provided alongside Redrow Homes’ Wharton Lock development of apartments and penthouses but can also be accessed from the canal towpath.

Pupils from Queens Park High School, Chester and Maelor School in Penley, near Wrexham, travelled to the site by canal boat for the launch of the sculpture.

The two schools first came together under the auspices of the Redrow Schools Partnership, a UK-wide National Trust initiative that brings together contrasting schools to work on arts based activities at their local Trust property.

The two schools have worked with professional artist Nigel Talbot on a series of projects at Erddig, near Wrexham. The sculpture at Wharton Lock was seen as a fitting way to create a permanent reminder of how the Redrow Schools Partnership has harnessed the talent, energy and enthusiasm of the youngsters involved.

Darren Lever, design manager for Redrow Homes (North West), says: “We wanted an imaginative, eye-catching yet durable piece of public art as a focal point for our development. Working with Nigel, the children have helped to create something that reflects the site’s history and the canal’s great heritage. It is a fantastic addition to Wharton Lock and something that will catch the attention of people using the canal and its towpath.”

Following research by Nigel, the sculpture is based on the different forms of barge tiller and the wonderful shapes they take. Six square oak timbers each stand three metres above ground with arms averaging two metres in length. The patterning on the tops of the stems and the rudders has been created by burning the wood, before sealing and finishing with exterior grade teak oil. At eye level on 12 sides of the six uprights are bronze panels cast from the works of pupils from the two schools.

Says Nigel: “Following a trip to Ellesmere Port Boat Museum for inspiration, the pupils came up with their designs for the bronze panels in a series of workshops at their schools and Erddig. I am extremely pleased with the results and Redrow is to be commended for giving its support to a project such as this, which encourages youngsters to develop their artistic flair.”

Redrow’s Wharton Lock development is now almost complete, with just a handful of properties left to sell – most of them luxury penthouses. Current prices are from £162,950 for a two-bedroom apartment up to £299,000 for the most expensive penthouse. Sales information: call 01244 315 515.