Sculptures at Mercia

Published: Friday, 26 April 2019

A SCULPTOR has created intricate carvings at Mercia Marina using a chainsaw—including a dragon in a
tower.

In addition to the tower that stands tall, Alistair Farson has also carved two decorative benches that overlook the wildlife pond at the marina, from the trunks of large trees.

Dragon Tower carving 1Most proud

But it is the dragon that he is the most proud of, spending around seven hours a day over two weeks carving the dragon out of an existing tree trunk that stands in the area which will become home to a development of new holiday lodges.

Alistair has been working as a sculptor for the past two years and he said the dragon was one of his best pieces of work:

Great community atmosphere

"I enjoyed carving at the marina as there's a great community atmosphere. The dragon tower carving was a bit of a tense challenge as the tree was hollow, I was worried I might remove too much wood and cut through into the hollow centre. Initially the marina was keen on a carving of Poseidon, but on discovering the tree was hollow we had to come up with other ideas.

"The dragon tower has worked out well and I like that it loosely ties in with the marina's Viking archaeological finds.

“I'm a self-taught sculptor, turning professional two years ago, I feel my craft has improved with each project I've done and as a result I think the dragon tower is one of the best carvings I've done. It's really enjoyable to be able to concentrate hard on something I enjoy.”

A new park

The dragon stands in a new park that is being created at the marina as part of the holiday lodge development.
The area has already been planted with over 50 semi mature trees and a lake has been created which can be enjoyed by boaters and holiday lodge owners.

The marina has also announced a revamped events schedule and opened a new 200 spaces car park on the canal side of Findern Lane in Willington.

Great benefit

Tony Preston, Sales and Marketing Manager at the marina, explained:

“Public art has value and importance and we love that this is Alistair’s reflection of how he sees the marina surroundings. These clever sculptures are a great benefit for the public’s ever increasing desire for land art. The nature of the benches allows a connection with surroundings and artist as they all sit together perfectly.

"We certainly agree Alistair has breathed fire into his greatest creation, the dragon watcher of The Park which we have named Dreki which is Old Norse for dragon. Standing tall from a castle tower Dreki is a sight to behold and we are so pleased with how sculpture has been received by all.”