This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
A new community sculpture on Coppins Bridge roundabout in Newport is a step closer to being put up.
Following the positive feedback over the ‘Wight Dragon’ sculpture last year, students at the Clatterford Tuition Centre are again working with local artist Glenn Martin to create a project, this time the design being a large-scale mechanical plant.
The as yet unnamed project, based around the theme ‘Garden Isle’, is made from recycled materials and has just been given 12 months planning permission.
Innovative sculpture will evolve over time
The sculpture has been designed to subtly change during the weeks and months, much like a plant would change with the seasons. It also houses a lighting system which will light up the piece at night.
During weekly project sessions, students have been building components for the sculpture with the support of many local businesses. Robin Hill, a sponsor of the project, has provided a workshop area for the sculpture to be fully constructed before its installation on the roundabout on 21 July at 1.30pm.
Touched by positive public response
“We were overwhelmed and genuinely touched by the positive public response to the Wight Dragon” said project co-ordinator Juliet Lainson at Clatterford. “The public reaction to the dragon removal proved that it had become a much loved local landmark.
“We took on board all feedback from that project and wanted the new sculpture to be similar but at the same time different to the design of the dragon, and we think we have achieved that.”
Looking forward to new sculpture
Cllr Dawn Cousins, IW Council cabinet member responsible for education said “I very much look forward to seeing the sculpture on Coppins Bridge.
“There is no doubt the Wight Dragon was a much-loved piece when it was in place, and I am sure this latest scheme will prove just as popular.”
The Wight Dragon was a structure made out of recycled materials, with the dragon climbing a pole. The design of the dragon was based on an old folklore tale about what the Island looks like. The structure was last year moved to Robin Hill Country Park when its temporary planning permission expired.
