New sculpture unveiled at Haigh walled gardens

New sculpture unveiled at Haigh walled gardens

A brand new and unique sculpture created by international artist Anne Duk Hee Jordan was unveiled in the walled gardens of Haigh over the weekend.  

The sculpture, which explores themes such as biodiversity and climate change, was opened at a fun day attended by families from across the borough. 

Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities at Wigan Council, said: “It was brilliant to see so many local people across the park on Saturday enjoying the workshops, installations from local artists, and of course, the new sculpture, ‘Snail on Me’.  

“Despite the weather, people turned out and said how much they liked the new sculpture, which is the second public art installation at Haigh this year and part of the wider transformation across the estate.  

“We can’t wait to continue to see more and more projects coming to fruition at Haigh for people to enjoy.” 

As well as the sculpture being unveiled, there were a series of workshops throughout the day hosted by local artist Anna FC Smith, along with the programme’s Local Community Ambassadors. 

Community ambassadors Karen Buckels, Marie-Clare Kenyon, Lee McStein, Ryan Millington and Farai Nhakaniso spent the day running engaging and interactive sessions for visitors to enjoy. 

And that wasn’t all. There was heaps more fun at the event, with Kubatana dance group Everything Human Rights performing a rain dance, Groundworks hosting a pond-dip, and artist Zephie Begolo running two family clay making workshops, using clay from the grounds of Haigh. 

Two new art commissions were also viewable within the grounds, one from local artist Dustin Lyon and the other from Alison Cooper aka Magpahi. 

The funding for ‘Snail on Me’ was generously provided by Arts Council England, Art Fund, Vallum Associates and Wigan Council and  designed by Duk Hee, the steel work was created and installed by Fish Fabrications, the new pond and landscaping carried out by Horticon. 

Haigh Hall and surrounding woodland park is undergoing a multi mullion pound restoration programme. Assets for investment include the Hall, Plantation Gates, the Bothy Yard & cottages, Kitchen Garden and ornamental pond.   

‘Snail on Me’ is located in the lower walled gardens and can be viewed seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm. 

Find out more about the transformation work at Haigh Hall by following the destination on Instagram.com/Haigh.Hall (external link).