Details of Rhayader Gateway from the Cywaith Cymru | ArtWorks Wales projects archive

Cywaith Cymru Artworks wales - the national organisation for public art in Wales

	Rhayader Gateway
	artist(s):	Reece Ingram
	location	Rhayader [mid Wales]
	completed	March 2000
		The Elan Valley Trail Cycle Path is now part of the National Cycle Network developed by Sustrans and local organisation ‘Rhayader 2000’ commissioned artist Reece Ingram to create a striking new gateway to mark the start of the path at Rhayader. Rhayader 2000 is a publicly funded project that encourages community activity by working with local bodies and groups to improve the economic, cultural and social structure of the town. As part of the commission Reece held workshops with local groups to generate ideas and ensure that the local community have a sense of ownership of the work.
		The impressive wooden railings and gateway is intended to be a trail of its own – containing points of interest along its length – these include the carved features that top the six upright posts. A mountain ewe and ram stand guard on opposite sides of the gate while birch and oak leaves and clumps of unfurling ferns decorate the remaining pillars. A red kite features on the gate itself reminding users that this once threatened bird is now thriving in the area thanks to local conservation measures. The nine kilometre path meanders upwards, past the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, and alongside the three reservoirs – Garreg Ddu with Caban Coch, then Pen-y-Garreg and finally Graig Goch - completed in 1904 to supply water to Birmingham. The Elan Valley railway was built in 1893 to facilitate the construction of the dams and its old route provided an ideal track for the cycle trail. At one kilometre intervals up the trail there are sculptural wooden benches by Penrhyndeudraeth artist Dominic Clare. These offer some respite and comfort on the climb upwards and also provide ideal places to stop and admire the fantastic views! The entrance is just on the outskirts of the town - off the B4518 which leads to the Elan Valley Visitor Centre. Cycle hire is avilable from the cycle shop in east Street, Rhayader.
		Reece Ingram has worked on other projects with Cywaith Cymru including the Alice Trail sculptures depicting facets of the Alice in Wonderland story at Happy Valley, Llandudno and sculptures at the Dingle Woodland near Llangefni in Anglesey. He says of his art as a carver – ‘Carving is very much a physical and tactile activity. I am alive when I am working. The physical act is enough. One can explore the world with one’s hands.’ He also has work at the Eden Project in Cornwall and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, Kensington Gardens, London as well as Woodland Trust and National Trust sites throughout Britain. Cywaith Cymru . Artworks Wales managed the project on behalf of Rhayader 2000. Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity made a financial contribution to the project through their Millennium Grant Programme. As the national organisation for public art in Wales Cywaith Cymru works closely with clients, advising on the selection of appropriate sites and managing the whole commission process from the selection of artists, preparing contracts and overseeing the programme of work. More information and other documentation Word document: No Word document is available PDF File: No PDF file is available Video clip: No video clip is available

		[Go back to the Cywaith Cymru archive page]

More information and other documentation