“We’re really excited to be introducing Meander and Gathering to the trail, and it’s great that we’ve been able to use this opportunity to explore different ways of experiencing the sculptures. Both sculptures bring something new to the trail and we can’t wait to see them in place for visitors to enjoy.”

Sarah Bowden, chair of Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust CIO

Please join us to welcome our latest sculptures ‘Meander’ by Kristina Veasey and ‘Gathering’ by Julian Wild to the Trail at a free celebratory event on Saturday 10 June from 12pm – 3pm.

Kicking off the celebrations are local brass band Forest of Dean Brass who will be playing from 12-1pm next to ‘Meander’ and then join us as we walk up to the site of our newest sculpture ‘Gathering’.

‘Gathering’ is an interactive and colourful artwork that encourages physical engagement from visitors. Created by artist Julian Wild, the sculpture consists of 12 coloured metal vertical forms grouped together in a clearing to represent natural structures found in the woodland, recalling shoots growing out of the ground. Joined to these structures are several mirror-polished stainless-steel elements that resemble the shape of woodland fungi. 

Julian worked with local school children at Heart of the Forest School, and included their ideas for incorporating tactile touch points, reflective surfaces and colours into the final piece. Alongside the smooth surfaces of the fungi, texture panels are hidden on some of the sculptures for people to find, which enhances the experience of the artwork for visually impaired visitors. 

The artwork is accessible to wheelchair users with newly laid paths and level areas and is positioned close to Speech House Woodlands car park for vehicle access.

‘Meander’ by visual artist Kristina Veasey, was installed in March 2023 and carries on Veasey’s exploration of access to nature and what immersion in the forest can inspire.

‘Meander’ is a steam-bent oak bench designed as a resting place that invites visitors following the trail to stop and spend time in the beauty of the forest. Its strong, winding form represents the resilience and solidarity found woven through the landscape, heritage, and people of the Forest of Dean.

Veasey joined sculptor and leading steam-bending expert, Charlie Whinney, to collaborate on the piece at Charlie Whinney Studios. The large natural pieces of quarried Forest of Dean sandstone supporting the sculpture have been provided by Birch Hill Quarry. 

Both sculptures will remain on the trail permanently, bringing the total number of artworks on the trail to 18. Both works are close to carparks (Beechenhurst and Speech House Woodlands car park respectively) and the shorter and more level routes to these new sculptures will hopefully allow more visitors to engage with the trail – particularly those who experience mobility issues or have young children and buggies.

Exploring the Fusion: Crash Games as Art in a Contemporary Gallery

Picture this: a gallery pulsating with the energy of F777 Fighter, the cosmic allure of Space XY, and the adrenaline rush of Need for X. Can crash games be more than just pixels on a screen? Can they transcend the digital realm and materialize as captivating art installations in a contemporary gallery space? Let’s dive into the exciting realm of possibilities.

Crash games, with their dynamic visuals and interactive nature, possess the potential to become immersive art experiences. Imagine F777 Fighter translated into a kinetic sculpture, where the crashes manifest as explosive bursts of color and sound, echoing the intensity of the digital game.

Space XY, with its cosmic theme, could transform a gallery into an otherworldly environment. Picture visitors navigating through a celestial landscape, interacting with installations that mirror the unpredictability of the crash game, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.

Need for X, known for its high-speed thrills, might find its material form as a multi-dimensional installation. Visitors could step into a space where the speed and crashes are tangible, blurring the lines between virtual and physical realities.

  • Interactive Exhibits: Allow gallery-goers to engage with the crash game experience physically, triggering crashes and exploring the consequences in real-time.
  • Visual Spectacle: Harness the vivid graphics and themes of these games to create visually stunning installations that captivate and challenge perceptions.
  • Soundscapes: Consider incorporating dynamic sound elements that respond to the crashes, enhancing the immersive quality of the installations.

In the fusion of crash games and contemporary art, the possibilities are as boundless as the digital landscapes they draw inspiration from. The challenge lies in translating the essence of these games into tangible, material forms that captivate and resonate with gallery visitors. Could crash games be the next frontier in pushing the boundaries of what we perceive as art? The journey into this uncharted territory is as thrilling as the crash itself.

Meander 8

Event information

  • Saturday 10 June
  • 12pm – 3pm
  • Free
  • The event will start at Beechenhurst and end at Speech House Woodland.
  • The Speech House Woodlands car park allows closer access to Gathering whereas Meander is easiest to reach via the main Beechenhurst site.

How to find the new sculptures:

Forestry England operate a pay-for-parking car park, toilet facilities, a cafe and picnic areas at Beechenhurst. Beechenhurst is on a direct bus route from Gloucester as well as part of The Robin local bus service route. To plan your visit, go to Forestry England’s Beechenhurst webpage.