Sculptures launched in Crowbrough
A series of sculptures highlighting the historic industries of Crowborough and the surrounding countryside were officially launched on Monday, April 12, in the Fernbank centre area.
Members of the public were able to go along and meet the artist, James Price, who created the nine sculpture panels.
They evoke memories of iron smelting and cannon foundries, industries which, 400 years ago, helped to make our navy the most formidable in the world.
They also recall the woodland crafts of the surrounding Ashdown Forest, including barrel making as portrayed by chestnut hoops cut from the forest and the rakes for gathering up charcoal.
Chimneys and trowels hark back to the brick manufacture at Jarvis Brook which made good use of the Wealden clay...while different soils provided the habitat for orchid growing.
These works were commissioned by the Crowborough Partnership, Crowborough Town Council and Wealden District Council and created by the Sussex-based designer and blacksmith James Price.
The redevelopment of the Fernbank complex provided the opportunity for the installation which was paid for through developer contributions made by Morrisons Supermarket as part of the planning agreement negotiated with Wealden District Council.
"Crowborough today is still an important hub for rural business, involving manufacturing, tourism design and new technology," said Cllr Ron Cussons, cabinet member for community at Wealden District Council.
"All are enterprises that fit well into this beautiful part of the South East, and Crowborough's location - close but not too close - to the capital and national transport links is important in attracting new entrepreneurs."
(Added to site Monday, April 12th, 2010)
