The 40-minute route will take visitors along the Robin Hood Way footpath on the historic Welbeck estate, giving families the chance to explore art in a new way. The £60,000 project aims to draw more people to the visitor attractions, near Worksop, in North Nottinghamshire.
The sculpture, made out of architectural salvage materials sourced from the Welbeck estate, will form the start of the trail. Michelle, who is based within the Harley Studios on the estate, has been making sculptures from reclaimed materials for more than 23 years. She is often commissioned by businesses such as BSkyB and the Port of London Authority to create sculptures from salvaged materials.
Meanwhile, kinetic sculptures and panels created by renowned designer, Martin Smith, will mark the way along the route to Creswell Crags. Martin, who is currently working on a commission for the National History Museum, is also known for his many art commissions for fashion designer, Paul Smith.
Lisa Gee, Director of The Harley Gallery, said: “Since lockdown we have all valued the joy of walking and being in the outdoors more than we have ever done before. We’ve seen increasing numbers of people walking the Robin Hood Way between The Harley Gallery and Creswell Crags. This is an exciting project that will appeal to all ages and capture young imaginations as they follow the trail between the two attractions.”
As part of the circular trail, visitors will be able to explore contemporary art within The Harley Gallery, historic art in The Portland Collection museum and Creswell Crags, which is the site of Ice Age Rock Art, which is thousands of years old.
Speaking of her involvement, Michelle Reader said: "I am excited to be working on a project that is so hyper-local for me, creating a sculpture for the gallery and the community I work within. I often walk the route between my studio and Creswell Crags during my lunch break so it will be great to be able to contribute to this creative waymarking trail."
