Man And Dog

2007.
Location; The ranges Country Park, Nottinghamshire
Commissioner; Nottinghamshire County Council
Dimensions; 4m x 2.4m x 2.4m
Materials; steel (galvanised, painted and coated in vandal resistant lacquer), shot sawn grit stone paving with cast brass plaque

Commissioned to create a significant waymarker for the top of the Ranges Country Park in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire. The feature sits on top of the regenerated spoil heap where several significant trails and paths in the area converge.
Consultation was carried out with local schools and the town history group, to develop a sound understanding of issues important to the people of the area, and to engage the younger generation in the process. A series of 3 working designs were exhibited in the local library, and people voted for their preferred choice. The community seemed keen to avoid nostalgia for colliery heritage, and felt a sculpture should be modern and forward looking. As the site is often used by dog walkers, the sculpture reflects this new use for an old site in a literal yet whimsical way. Set into the foundations of the feature are a series of brass plaques, containing designs by local school children. These indicate points of interest on the horizon, from Newstead Abbey, once the home of Lord Byron, To Nottingham city itself.

"It’s a simple and fun piece of art. When Lewis was commissioned, the brief was to interpret the local heritage and to focus on the current use of the site. Through the voting process the local people were given the final say”