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Sculptor Peter Martin has spent weeks up a 30-ft tree at Penzance rescuing the giant ‘Macro Carpo’ from the chain saw.
He is now close to completing his commission from Penzance town council and Penwith Housing Association (PHA) to turn the splendid old tree at St Clare flats near the West Cornwall Hospital, into a local artistic landmark with carvings of animals and flowers.
There were fears it might have to be cut down to prevent damage to passers-by and blocked gutters from falling branches and leaves. John Moreland, landscape architect, set the idea under way after learning of Peter’s talents. “It is a part of Penzance which has a constant traffic of children going to and from school. The thought was to have something that would interest and entertain them on their way. I had seen carvings Peter had done as part of a nature trail and asked him to come up with a carving with a Green Man woodland theme”.
According to PHA Chief Executive, Andy Moore, PHA reacted positively to the approach from Councillor Moreland “We were disappointed that the specialist advice we received about the condition of the tree meant that we had to take action to remove a potential danger but the suggestion that came forward allowed for the tree to continue to have an ongoing purpose and become an aspect of interest in a very prominent position”.
Peter of Four Lanes, Redruth, has built up a national reputation with his work – including projects in Cornwall at the Eden Project and in Camborne. He agreed to help. “I wanted something that would capture the imagination of the children and be of interest to everyone who walked past. It was a little daunting working at such a public place at first – but the people have been brilliant. Many have taken the trouble to say how much they enjoy the work and ask what my plans are”.
He keeps carving away on the scaffolding with the tree surrounded by a green screen. “There is a real feeling of expectation about the project. People return time and again to check on my progress and mothers bring their children back to see what animals have appeared”.
There is plenty of enthusiasm. Simon Glasson, the Town Clerk, remarked “Having Peter carving on site has given the project a real community interest. I am hoping that local schools and colleges will be able to have a guided tour of the carving by Peter – and a demonstration of the techniques that he uses”.
Peter has been crafting on site for several weeks and aims to complete in September.
