A sculpture of two giant feet carved out of English oak has caused quite
a stir in Park Wood, Hampshire, making people of all ages stop in their tracks and stare.
The artwork was the brainchild of the Friends of Park Wood, who had been given a grant by the Onyx Environmental Trust to improve access to the 3-hectare (8-acre) site in the middle of Waterlooville. ‘The feet symbolise man’s interaction with the wood through the ages,’
said spokesman John Carter. 'They’re also meant to encourage people to walk right in.’
Local people came in their droves to see the spectacle of the two massive sections of oak – each weighing
more than a tonne, and measuring some 2.5 metres (8 feet) – being carved near one of the wood entrances in March.
‘Some of our members laid railway sleepers in the middle of the wood,’
said John Carter, ‘and then, with great difficulty, we manoeuvred the feet into position. It was rather like the Egyptians building the pyramids!
The public response has been unanimous. ‘Everybody who walks through the wood admires the
feet. Children in particular have taken to playing on them and using them as sunbeds. In fact, a number have asked us when we’re going to install the rest of the giant.'
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News item - 03/04/2003
Big Feet at Park Wood! |
