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River Stort Sculpture Trail
A sculpture trail celebrating Harlow's waterside heritage has been officially opened by Harlow Council and British Waterways.
Four freestanding sculptures and a glass and metal walkway form the three-and-a-half mile waterside trail along the River Stort linking Parndon Mill to the Gibberd Garden in Harlow.
The sculptures along the trail add a real element of surprise to a waterside walk; each one has a story to tell about the local area. We hope that walkers, cyclists, boaters and art lovers alike will admire these creations alongside the natural beauty of the area. The sculptures are situated at Parndon Lock, Burnt Mill Lock, Latton Lock and Harlow Lock along the River Stort, whilst the raised glass and metal walkway spans the weir at Parndon Mill.
Alan Freeman, a local artist based at Parndon Mill Studios, was commissioned to design the raised walkway. The metal fabricated structure includes a series of glass inserts created by glass artist Karen Murphy (also based at Parndon Mill). Each of the glass works are inspired by the local environment; the flora as well as manmade objects that relate to the mill and lock.
The freestanding sculptures have been created by a further four artists, commissioned by Harlow Council. The artists have used concrete and stone along with the inspiration of the river and its history to create unique pieces of art available for all to see.
Along the Trail there are also many attractions and places of interest you can visit.
Parndon Mill on the banks of the Stort provides studios and workshops for artists and a fine art gallery which is open to the public.
Parndon Moat Marsh and Maymeads Marsh, two of Harlow's local nature reserves, are protected sites containing rare species of wildlife.
Harlow Town Park is situated within walking distance of the waterway, a 164 acre park that includes Pets Corner and many other attractions.
The Gibberd Garden, designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd, Harlow's masterplanner, has been described as one of the most important gardens of the 20th century.
For more about the history of the River Stort and for further information about the waterway visit www.waterscape.com
For more information on Harlow's attractions go to www.visitharlow.com
