Public Monument and Sculpture Association National Recording Project
The Miraculous Lightning Tree Photograph
Region ID | AH | |
Work ID | 292 | |
Manual Reference | BRIDGEND007 | |
Type | Sculpture | |
Title | The Miraculous Lightning Tree | |
Sculptor | Fairfax, Michael | |
Date of design | September - December 1991 | |
Year of unveiling | 1991 | |
Unveiling details | 1991 | |
Road | Angel Street | |
Precise Location | In a walled area outside Bridgend Leisure Centre | |
A to Z Ref | ||
OS Ref | ||
Postcode | ||
Work is | Extant | |
Listing Status | Not listed | |
Duty of Care | ||
Commissioned by | Ogwr Borough Council | |
Notes | ||
Sculpture from trunk of ash tree. Information from Cywaith Cymru: Artworks Wales: 'The artist cut out the rotten wood creating cohesive shapes with these spaces. He created shapes which linked the sculpture to the church's architecture whose spire can be seen from the playing fields and footpath. Then the whole sculpture was charred creating density as because of the black hue, shapes appear and disappear as one walks around the sculpture, which has many viewpoints. It also reiterates the shape and rhythm of the piece. In addition the charring, though carbonising the surface, helps to preserve the wood which has been treated with teak oil.' | ||
Information from Cywaith Cymru: Artworks Wales: 'Between 1988 and 1990 Ogwr Borough Council developed the existing Bridgend Leisure Centre. The site on the periphery of Newbridge Field contained a mature ash tree and the new building was designed to incorporate the tree within the external landscaping. However, the tree was not in good condition and in the interests of safety it was decided to fell the tree. But when it had been reduced to its main trunk it became apparent that there was a possibility of developing it as a sculpture.' The work was financed by Ogwr Borough Council and the South East Wales Arts Association. | ||
circa | ||
raw year | 1991 | |
Condition | Good | |
At risk | No known risk | |
Inscriptions | ||
Signatures | None visible | |
Elements
Element Details
Part of work | Material | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
Whole work | Existing trunk of ash tree | 610cm high approx |
Assessment of Condition
Surface Character
Detail | Comment |
|---|---|
Biological growth | Ivy extends over large area of tree |
Previous treatments | Wood was charred and treated with teak oil |
Structural Condition
Structural Condition | Comment |
|---|---|
Other | Appears to be in good condition |
Vandalism
Vandalism | Comment |
|---|---|
None | |