Sculpting a busy summer

A display of sculptures in Southwell is expected to attract about 20,000 visitors.

The event, at Reg Taylor’s Swan Sanctuary in August, could include an attempt to break the world record for the tallest helix sculpture.

The helix, a large twisted wooden structure that spins in the wind, will be suspended from supports erected in the sanctuary.

More than 150 works by 60 sculptors will be on display in mediums including water and neon light.

A director of Reg Taylor’s, Mr Paul Taylor, said the idea was to encourage more people to visit the sanctuary.

He said: “In the summer, when our swan sanctuary is at its best, nobody visits because everyone is on holiday during August so we thought it would be really nice to use the facility for something.

“We thought art, and particularly sculpture, would be a good thing to entice the visitors.

“We have got some wonderful vistas and lakes and we thought sculptures would fit in very well with that.”

Mr Taylor thought the event would be good for the town as well as the garden centre and swan sanctuary.

He said: “We are hoping the event will draw people into the town and the area. The East Midlands doesn’t have another event like this.

“Hopefully, if the event works and does well, it will entice business for others.

“We want this to be an event that brings people to the area and puts Southwell on the map.

“We are in the early stages of organising it but we want to follow on from the success of the folk festival so there is a lot to do in the town during the summer.”

The exhibition runs from August 7-31. Entry is free.

Further details are available online at

www.sculptureinthesanctuary.co.uk