Trehafren Fields Wander Trail Sculpture by John Merrill
Commissioned by Open Newtown
Call in to Oriel Davies to see the models that have been created by sculptor John Merrill as the first stages of a sculpture commissioned for the nearby Trehafren Fields in Newtown.
The sculpture will be installed in Autumn 2025, responding to the parkland and the River Severn. The work is being designed in consultation with the local community.
John Merrill studied Fine Art Sculpture at John Moores University, Liverpool. The majority of his work is made from oak, using either wind-blown trees or the curves and knuckles that are otherwise destined to be firewood, salvaged from the timber industry.
“Oak Trees in their natural form are magnificent; they are already perfect sculptures and an example of one of nature’s true engineering achievements. I am simply recycling that sculpture once it’s been decommissioned, re-interpreting it as an object to stimulate new conversations. I have found great inspiration from the Welsh landscape and sourced materials from its ever-changing woodlands.”
The sculpture at Trehafren Fields is part of a wider project delivered by Open Newtown, funded by the Woodland Investment Grant. The project has created over 700 metres of walk, wheel, and cycle-friendly paths, new interpretation boards, enhanced meadows, tree planting and orchard care.
John’s sculpture will add another layer to visitors’ experience, celebrating the natural and cultural heritage of the park and river while complementing the site’s wider improvements.
In the original brief the artist was asked to respond to folklore around the river and how this ties together natural and human heritage.
“The inspiration for this sculpture came from a family of swans on the River Severn during an early site visit. The Swan is steeped in mystery and folklore, associated with ideas of love, purity and fidelity, transformation, shapeshifting, wisdom, truth.”
Share your thoughts about the sculpture and wider project here
(online or paper copies available in the gallery)
