View from a river bank
A specially commissioned piece of public art depicting a fish’s eye view of the River Wye is to be unveiled at a popular beauty spot in Hereford.
A steel monument illustrating life from the bottom of the river, called “A Fish’s Eye View,” has been installed along the banks of the River Wye, in King George’s Playing Field, next to the newly restored Victoria Bridge.
The sculpture, which depicts reeds, ripples in the water and fish, has been installed beside the footpath.
Designer blacksmith Chris Brammall, who trained at Hereford College of Art and Technology, beat off strong competition from 17 other artists to secure the work.
He hopes people will be encouraged to take a closer look and walk underneath the sculpture – which will give them the impression they are looking up from the bottom of the river, similar to a fish’s view from the bottom of the river bed, while walking along the path,
“The work was commissioned after the success of four other pieces of public art in King George’s Playing Field,” said Cllr Roy Stockton, Cabinet Member (Community Services).
“Under that scheme, known as the City Carver Scheme, four old trees, which had to be felled because they were diseased and presented a danger to the public, were transformed into works of public art.
“Wooden sculptures were carved from the old stumps including a leaping salmon and diving otter.
“Unfortunately the life shell of these carvings was only ten years due to natural decomposing and whilst two still remain, the frog and Mappa Mundi Tree, the otter and leaping salmon have been destroyed.
“This new work will replace these two popular carvings and because it is made of steel it will have a much longer life expectancy so that generations of families can view and enjoy it,” added Cllr Stockton.
Chris Brammall was inspired to create “A Fish’s Eye View” after public consultation, which involved a representative from St. Martin’s Residents Association in the selection panel and Mr Brammall presenting his ideas to the Association.
