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The Basingwerk Abbot - Greenfield Valley |
artist(s):
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Michael Disley |
| location |
Holywell [north east Wales] |
| completed |
March 2000 |
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A sculpture park has given added value to a visit to the Greenfield Valley Heritage Park in Holywell, Flintshire – one and a half miles of woodlands, reservoirs, ancient monuments and industrial history, overlooking the Dee Estuary and nestling between the holy well of St Winifred’s and the ruins of the Cistercian Basingwerk Abbey. In celebration of the Millennium, the Park Trustees appointed six artists to create a sculpture trail within the boundaries of the park, with funding from the Millennium Festival Commission, the Trust itself and a number of local sponsors and with management services provided by Cywaith Cymru . Artworks Wales. |
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Industrial machinery and production have seemingly done little to destroy the peace and tranquillity of Basingwerk Abbey, at the northern end of the Valley. Founded in 1132 it was a home and workplace for the Cistercian Order for 400 years before it fell into ruins, and is now cared for by CADW, the Welsh Historic Monuments Agency. The second sculpture on the trail is aptly located within a stone’s throw of the Abbey ruins – in the grounds of the Greenfield Valley Museum and Farm complex. The subject matter is no less apt, with Michael Disley of Kirklees in West Yorkshire re-creating a Cistercian monk in Cadeby Limestone. Under one arm, the ‘Abbot’ is cradling a young lamb; his sights are heaven-ward and the visitor can decide whether he is seeking the muse which inspired the many Welsh poets who obtained shelter and solace at the abbey, or whether he is, more mundanely, just waiting for more rain. During his residency, Michael Disley led workshops with pupils from the Merllyn Primary School in Bagillt where the children created animals and figures from vegetables. |
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Following an art degree Michael Disley trained as a stonemason and following his MA works on public art commissions and smaller private commissions specialising in stonework pieces which combine form and humour. Among other places, he has undertaken commissions in Doncaster, Macclesfield and Portishead.
The Greenfield Valley Heritage Park is situated near Holywell in north east Wales and can be accessed from the A548 coast road or the B5121 between Holywell and Greenfield. It has a Visitor Centre, picnic area, Environment Centre and farm as well as many ruins of the intense industrial activity that prevailed the area during the 18th Century and the remains of Basingwerk Abbey.
Cywaith Cymru . Artworks Wales managed the project for the Greenfield Valley Trust. As the national organinsation for public art in Wales it 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
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