Sculptures

“The Moors are harsh and atmospheric. The trees and rocks are tortured by the severity of the elements. My sculpture attempts to express the ancient permanence of the place; and its ability to endure.” – Anna Holland, Easingwold School

When you visit the National Park Centre at Sutton bank you can’t fail to notice two fantastic sculptures – a bronze and limestone piece in the courtyard and a wooden ‘National Park tree’ just inside the foyer.

The courtyard sculpture represents a ‘mixed-up’ map of the National Park. The bronze pieces on the stone show symbols and sites you would find on a map, the Park’s boundary, the route of the Cleveland Way National Trail and folklore and place names associated with the bronze sculptures.

The sculptures were created by sculptor in residence, Chris Kelly, with students from Thirsk and Easingwold Schools creating the small bronze pieces. The project was grant aided under the Arts 4 Everyone programme back in 1998.

The finished sculptures are only part of the story of this arts and education project. Six months of research and development were carried out where the ideas of Chris Kelly merged with those of the students to produce a series of images, which together make up the finished work. The main pieces include 22 bronze sculptures. Each of these have been produced by sixth form students, based on their impressions and research into the natural and cultural heritage of the National Park and surrounding area.

The project aimed to involve local people in dramatic and different interpretation of aspects of the North York Moors environment. The artist was seen as a catalyst through which the students’ ideas could develop.

“I soon decided that my sculpture would represent the local landmark, the White Horse of Kilburn. I enjoyed the project greatly and hope everyone is satisfied with the end result.” – Alan James, Thirsk School