A new sculpture has been installed at a Lake District country estate, inspired by a local legend about the slaying of a ferocious wild boar by a knight of the realm.
Dutch artist Marjan Wouda was awarded the commission from Wild Boar Estate, near Windermere, to create the corten steel sculpture for the grounds at the venue
in the Gilpin Valley.
Wild Boar Estate takes its name from the historic 13th century tale of Sir Richard de Gilpin, who fought and killed a particularly troublesome wild boar which was causing havoc in the region.
The 1.5m tall sculpture has been designed to raise the profile of the venue’s history.
Marjan worked with North West firm Metalcraft Engineering to create the wild boar sculpture for English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues. It is her first major commission in Cumbria.
The three metre long sculpture’s corten steel material has copper mixed into it so that only the surface oxidises to bring out the beautiful iron oxide, rusty colour finish.
Similar works by Marjan include Dandy, a stainless steel sculpture inspired by the history of the Pendle Witches, the Dun Cow of Parlick Fell and Sir Hare at Gisburn Forest.
Marjan said: “I was introduced to Simon and Ben Berry from the hotel group through Mary Gavagan from Gavagan Art. They came to see Sir Hare and the Dun Cow and I think that inspired the idea of creating something similar at Wild Boar Estate.
“Welder Dan Heap and I then spent a lot of time in the workshop planning how to interpret the design and model its shape and look, starting with a smaller cardboard prototype.
“The corten steel was laser cut into pieces, bent into the right shape with rollers and then welded together.”
Executive chairman of English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues Simon Berry added: “Marjan’s new sculpture is a wonderful monument to the history of
Wild Boar Estate and the legend of the Gilpin Valley, helping to bring the story alive.
“Ben and I were delighted to spend time with Marjan and see examples of her fantastic artwork. We wanted to find a way of showcasing the impact
of her work in the great outdoors here in Cumbria.
“So the idea of commissioning a wild boar sculpture for the venue quickly found impetus.”
