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