An eye-catching new sculpture is the centrepiece of a new water feature in Haigh Hall’s iconic walled gardens.
The unique public artwork, ‘Snail on Me’, will be unveiled this weekend, part of the ongoing transformation of Haigh Woodland Park.
The steel sculpture, designed by internationally renowned artist, Anne Duk Hee Jordan, is based on a combination of mythological and real creatures.
It will remain at Haigh for at least five years, at the centre of a new pond in the gardens adjacent to the historic hall.
‘Snail on Me’ is one of the first in a series of public art commissions in the grounds of Haigh Hall and is part of the ‘Bodies of Water’ piece of work by German-Korean artist Jordan.
In addition to the sculpture and pond, a series of community events and activities exploring similar themes to the installation will be hosted by locally based artists.
The pond will collect and filter rainwater as well as creating new habitats and encouraging biodiversity.
Bodies of Water is commissioned and curated by UP Projects working in partnership with National Trust and Wigan Council.
It has been funded by Arts Council England and Art Fund, and supported by Goethe-Institut with engineering support from Civic Engineers.
Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “It’s an exciting time at Haigh Hall and the entire Woodland Park with many projects linked to the overall transformation now gathering pace.
“This public artwork is an exciting addition to our development of the walled gardens and we’re delighted that such a prestigious piece will be hosted at Haigh.”
The official opening is on Saturday 13 September, from 12pm-4pm with free workshops for families including clay making and rain dance tutorials. Workshops are bookable by Eventbrite.
If you’ve got a story you want to share, get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!
