Band in the Ice

 There was some strong wind shortly after we floated our band so good to see that it is fine. However it is ice bound on a cold morning. The inspiration of the band is the scratch  bands that troops of all the armies in World War 1 formed near the Front to alleviate boredom and despair. They often made instruments from what came to hand.  They sometimes  dressed  up in clownish costumes and performances included drag acts. ....This is one of the installations in our sculpture trail at Stourhead , the National Trust garden in Wiltshire commemorating World War 1. Work in progress as we need to make some adjustments and then the band will be floated out in the middle of this stretch of water.

Floating band at Stourhead

We have floated our band at Stourhead the National Trust Garden in Wiltshire as part of our sculpture trail "Stourhead will never forget" commemorating the effect of World War 1 on the community. Concerts were organized here by Adela, Lady Hoare, chatelaine of the estate, to entertain convalescent troops from the nearby hospital at Mere.The soldiers were allowed to relax in the gardens and to boat on the lake. We also had in mind the bands that were created in all the armies near the Front. They often used bits and pieces that  came to hand   Below are convalescent troops on the lake at Stourhead during World War 1.

                            Below a French poilu plays a scratch instrument in World War 1

 
                                                       Below  a German concert party

                                                        Below a German band

                                              Below setting up and launching the band

Three Ways Community Special School Bath Project

We are delighted to have been asked to submit ideas for artwork at Three Ways Community Special School in Bath which is a Specialist School for Physical and Sensory and a School of Creativity. https://www.threeways.co.uk  We were given a tour and we were inspired by the state of the art buildings and facilities, the dedication of the staff and the charm of the pupils we met. Some were making Christmas wreaths to sell in the Bath Christmas Fare. Last year they made £800.  Creativity is important at Three Ways and they have a taste for the wacky as shown by the teapot above. Below is some artwork by pupils and a general view of the grounds. We have designs on the long fence - perhaps a multi headed creature which can be added to in future years by succeeding generations.  An exciting project.

                                       
                                              Below some artwork made with pasta twirls