A NEW work is underway to replace the much-loved Place, known locally as the giant’s chair, for the Forest’s sculpture trail and it is due to be installed by late spring next year.

Commissioned by Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust from internationally acclaimed artist Elpida Hadzi-Vasileva, the piece is called Cusp and will reach 10 metres in height and feature sculptural wings 10 metres in diameter. This monumental design will be formed by intricate metal trusses, built locally, and by oak felled in the Forest that will be crafted into shape by the artist and local carpenters.

“Evoking the spirituality, heritage and landscape of the Forest and its people, Cusp will first appear tree-like in its form, as part of the landscape,” said Cathy Mager, project director for the trust. “Closer up, the artist envisions that the ‘branches’ might suggest the wings of a bird such as the Forest’s buzzards or opening hands in a gesture of welcome, giving and receiving.

“Positioned on a hill top with panoramic views of the Cannop Valley, Cusp will ignite and hone the senses as the sounds of the Forest echo within the sculpture and natural light casts shadows on the surrounding landscape.

“This is one of the most ambitious sculptural builds the sculpture trust has ever undertaken and we are receiving incredible support from funders and local people to realise its successful completion. The sculpture will not only be an awe-inspiring new and iconic landmark to the Forest, but will also host education workshops for schools and community groups for decades to come.”

The new work is to be sited on the former location of the decommissioned giant’s chair sculpture Place by Magdelena Jetelova.

Cusp is part of the trust’s three-year programme supported by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development through the

Forest and Tewkesbury LEADER scheme, Arts Council England, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Watts Group Lydney.

The new education and community programme will be supported by funding from the Summerfield Trust and Ernest Cook Foundation.