Stoke-on-Trent - photo of the week


contents: 2009 photos


click for
previous
photos

 

Sky Wedges - The Woodland Ridge, Festival site - Andrew Darke

Sky Wedges - The Woodland Ridge, Festival site - Andrew Darke

photo: Steve Birks - Jan 2008

The Sky Wedges in 1986 - Donated by Stoneleigh Abbey Conservation Trust
The Sky Wedges in 1986 - Donated by Stoneleigh Abbey Conservation Trust

A broken row of six tall roughly shaped wooden planks follow the gently curved line of the ridge of the hill. Each has been upended, and its top has been carved to resemble an oar blade. The work draws the eye to the skyline, and would have been more prominent when first installed, before the trees grew as high as they are today.

The work was commissioned for the 1986 Stoke Garden Festival. It stands on the Woodland Ridge, high above the surrounding area, which was the focus of the City Council's reclamation efforts when they purchased the land.

"The form of the work recalls prehistoric monuments in which large standing stones were arranged in lines indicating the direction of the sun at the time of the summer solstice."

Each of 6 wedges about 7m high, 85m long made of English oak - of the original 18 wedges, 11 are missing and 1 has fallen on its side the remaining 6 wedges standing are very rotten


Andrew Darke, b.1948

Andrew Darke is a leading sculptor and experienced public artist. He first came to prominence for his timber sculptures such as the powerful Oak Wedges at the Stoke Garden Festival in 1986
 

 

 


Stoke Garden Festival