A few months ago a lovely couple, from Lanner, came to the forge to discuss their plans for an outdoor sculpture that reflected their passion for their local woodland and wildlife.
Their enthusiasm and spirit for the idea had been prompted by the loss of a like-minded loved one who has also spent many hours outside enjoying our beautiful countryside.
They wanted water and woodland flowers. insects such as a bee, butterfly and dragonflies. They wanted it to sit in a particular corner of their garden on lily pads. It should also feature links to an oak tree, perhaps feature a small bird, even a mouse, Oh yes! and a hedgehog.
All to scale and made from steel and copper. Tempered to give a uniform colour and lacquered to protect from the elements.
A daunting commission but one that Nigel really wanted to give a go. The butterfly and fallen oak leaves are made of copper. The iris, bullrushes and bluebells are hot forged, the other flowers, the ivy and primroses are cold forged. The mouse wrapped around the stem of the bull rush is made with a combination of these techniques as is the Jenny Wren.
Harvey, the hedgehog is constructed around a steel frame, each individual spike an individual weld to create his prickly personality. There is hours of work in this piece, but we think you will agree that everytime you look at it you will see something else to catch your eye and transport you in a woodland realm.
We fitted the piece and our clients are over the moon. It was wonderful to see what started as a dreamt up idea actually come to fruition with the help of a healthy amount of talent and skill.
We hope that your commission will give you hours of joy, Sue and Rob. We think it will.
