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Parc Plas Mawr - Residency |
artist(s):
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Dominic Clare |
| location |
Penmaenmawr [north Wales] |
| completed |
July 2001 |
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Parc Plas Mawr is a unique Industrial heritage Park in Penmaenmawr in north Wales, dedicated to combining historical information and artist interpretation. Opened in 2001 with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Arts Council of Wales and Conwy County Borough Council, the park reflects the wealth of cultural history and the quarrying industry that Penmaenmawr has on offer.
The foundations of the home of the Darbishire family - the local quarry owners, have been restored by archaeologists. Prime Minister Gladstone was a regular visitior of the family and area in the 19th Century. The streamside gardens, ornamental pond and footpaths of the estate have been reinstated based upon original maps and photos and panoramic views of the area can be enjoyed from the restored viewing terrace, whilst the featured artworks interpret the history and industry of the town. Three artists created work for specific sites in the park while Dominic Clare remained on site for four months as artist-in-residence |
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Between April and July 2001 he worked with local schools and community groups to make features for the park as well as making his own artworks:
Redstone loco – created from stainless steel and laser cut based on a photgraph of a loco owned by the Darbishire family that used to run in the gardens. It is inlaid amongst granite sets on the old loco station platform site.
Lions Head Fountain – this feature has been copied from a cast iron lion’s head found on the site of the old house. It once belonged to the chauffer of the Darbishire family. Dominic made the head in oak with amber eyes. It now serves as a fountain in the middle of the ornamental pond.
Split Cone Granite Seed – based on a pine cone from a tree in the park this feature was created from cedar wood and granite.
Victorian ‘Kissing Bench’ – this is an s-shaped bench cut from one huge solid piece of local oak
Stones with Bowls – Glacial granite boulders were dug up for the reservoir in the field next to the park. A circle of eight was formed with cup and ring carvings made on the upper surface as found on ancient stones. This related to the druids circle above Penmaenmawr and there is also a possibility that they are placed on a ley line. Nestling in a shaded woody area they look as if they have been here for generations.
Sparkling Spiral – a granite roller found on the site, which was probably used for the lawns, forms the base of the sculpture. The spiral symbolises the motion the rolling roller would have done. It is made from yew with road studs which reflect the sunshine.
Sea things – Bronze casts of work made by local youth groups as part of the residency programme were set into the wall near the iron umbrella, thought to have once been a feeding shelter for the ponies of the Darbyshire family. |
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Since graduating in Fine Art from Leeds in 1985 Dominic Clare has worked on many commissions and residencies throughout Britain. In 1995 he completed his first commission with Cywaith Cymru – a table and seating for Halo Foods in Towyn. Since then he has worked on numerous projects including a residency at Celtica Machynlleth and commissions at the Dingle and Tyddyn Môn in Anglesey.
Built originally as a quarry town Penmaenmawr, is situated on the north Wales coast between Conwy and Llanfairfechan. You need to turn from the A55 into the town – the park is at the western end just on the outskirts of the shopping street. There is ample parking nearby. The town also has a lovely blue flag beach as well as nearby hill walking.
Cywaith Cymru . Artworks Wales managed the project on behalf of Conwy County Borough Council. 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
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