A new sculpture has been unveiled in the town centre which was organised by local group Incredible Edible Wilmslow.
Located on Alderley Road, near the junction with Parkway, The Pear stands 2 feet in height, is carved from red St Bees sandstone and is tactile and smoothly finished.
Created by Wilmslow sculptor Keith Carter Harris, who is also a volunteer with Incredible Edible, The Pear is mounted on a three foot high plinth of Kerridge sandstone blocks. This is Keith's first public commission and he volunteered his time and skill to produce this work.
The Pear is the second sculpture that Incredible Edible, who are passionate about improving the look of the town as well as promoting locally grown food, have commissioned in Wilmslow. The first being 'The Apple', sponsored by Northern Rail and Wilmslow Local Area Partnership, which is situated at Wilmslow Station and was unveiled by Chancellor George Osborne in March 2012.
This new piece of public art is sponsored by Wilmslow Town Council which has provided £900 for the cost of production and the plaque.
The Pear has been placed alongside a pear tree which is sponsored by Cllr Ellie Brooks and her husband and should bear fruit in a year or so.
Cllr Ellie Brooks said "Wilmslow Town Council are delighted to have sponsored The Pear sculpture which we hope will be enjoyed by all.
"It took some time to navigate the highway laws but it is now in place alongside the pear tree, which should bear fruit next year. A welcome piece of art for our town!"
Incredible Edible Wilmslow are hoping to work with Wilmslow Town Council and Arts Council England to fund further similar edible themed pieces to add to the sculpture trail for Wilmslow.
Keith Carter Harris said "We will see if we can do a survey now, find out what people feel about it and if they would like to see more around town. It has always been the plan to try and get funding through Arts Council England. However, this would require a percentage of funding from other sources."
What do you think of the pear and apple sculptures? Would you like to see more around the town to create a trail? Share your thoughts via the comment box below.
Comments
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The cost is not a significant amount in terms of the budget of East Cheshire and it will remain as an nod to the Incredible Edible Wilmslow project, now part of the story of Wilmslow and its residents. Money well spent for me
Well done! council and of course sculpture Mr Carter Harris
i admire the apple every day on my trek to the station, it is an unusual asset for the town, acknowledging Incredible Edible and Alan Turing.
Thanks for the edible plots, the donation of a tree, the time, skill and inspiration of the sculptor and both sculptures.
By the way, allotment sites do go to seed, that's how they work!