What are all those sculptures about on the Stort?

Monday, 12 September 2011 21:00

On the way upstream, we spotted a number of sculptures between Parndon Mill Lock and Harlow on the Stort Navigation.

Sculpture at Lock - but which one?

I just mentioned them on the way up and promised more info .......

If I had done my research before I would have known what they were all about! They are a joint venture between Harlow Council and BW and tell the story of the local area around the four locks.

As we are now travelling down stream I will take them in that order.

Harlow Mill Lock. 2008 -The Flowing River by Anthony Lycycia

The sculpture reads "Man may come and go but the River goes on for ever", a paraphrase of the plaque that was on the Lock House.

Latton Lock. 2007 - The Mill by Nicola Burrell

Inspired by the history of Latton Mill water mill, the sculpture shows mechanical parts and water.

Burnt Mill Lock. 2007 - Short Stort Thoughts by Graeme Mitcheson

The globes with fish, ropes and chains symbolise the global links that Harlow has had because of the Stort Navigation.

Parndon Mill Lock. 2007 - Flowing Onwards, by Angela Godfrey

Inspired by Thomas Yeoman, engineer, who spoke at the opening of the Stort Navigation in 1769 at Bishops Stortford. It reads "1769 the River Stort open to navigation flowing into the Lea and onwards to the Thames then out to the sea and so to all the ports of the world"

Above Parndon Mill Lock there is also a raised walkway "Over the weir". designed by the Blacksmith Alan Freeman (one of the artists based at Parndon Mill Studios). The glass insets were created by Karen Murphy, and were inspired by the local environment.

Raised Walkway

Glass insets

So perhaps you now see why I wish I had done my research! Knowledge would have enhanced our experience. There, that's your bit of "culture" and education for the day .....