Cader Idris

Now re-sited on Cardiff Bay, this sculpture was installed as the focal point for the renovated public square at Cardiff Station. This idea came from the mountains, lakes and valleys of Wales, in particular Cader Idris in Snowdonia. The painting 'Cader Idris' by Richard Wilson (1714-1782) in the collection of the Tate Gallery, has been a particular favourite of mine since my schooldays and holidays in Wales. This painting has inspired me to create a number of sculptures, the Cader Idris Series.

This sculpture is made from Woodkirk sandstone, Welsh blue pennant slate and bronze. Water is inferred at the centre of the structure where the darker pennant stone represents a cwm (circular lake) at the foot of an escarpment. The bronze element of the sculpture suggests a rock outcrop and is set with verses in Welsh and English, all by Welsh poets.

One poem was written especially for the sculpture in englyn form. The contemporary Welsh poet, Rhys Dafis, with the support of the Welsh Arts Council, wrote this four-line verse in strict meter according to an age-old tradition. The aim of these verses was to create a diversion for those who choose to linger near the sculpture.

I worked on this commission in collaboration with architects Pawson Williams. Abbey Masonry were responsible for all the stonework and the bronze casting was carried out by the Nautilus Foundry.