Sculpture Trail
Ellesmere Sculpture Initiative

The 2010 symposium

In 2006 Ellesmere was chosen as the UK centre for an ambitious international touring exhibition of sculpture in the landscape. The exhibition "Extramuros" was launched in Ellesmere in March 2007 and toured Spain and Portugal until the summer of 2008.

Members of the local community developed the vision of an annual event to bring international contemporary artists to make site specific sculpture using materials natural to the environment.

Ellesmere International Sculpture Exhibition was created.

Sculpture, a three dimensional art form sits well in outdoor locations, especially where there are contrasting shapes and textures in the landscape. With its particular form and material, an individual sculpture can complement or contrast with its location.

When placing art in the landscape we set out to use these qualities to enhance certain settings through careful selection and siting. Sculpture in the landscape can change the experience of a familiar setting, give a little known area of natural beauty a wider profile and bring art to a new audience.

In 2010 the cluster will be in the area surrounding the Ellesmere Canal Maintenance Buildings. These historic buildings are late 18th century and housed Thomas Telford during the design and construction of the Shropshire Canal. The materials will be wood and metal, both traditionally used in canal construction.

In 2011 the cluster will be in Ellesmere’s historic town centre using the traditional construction materials of stone and brick.

Ellesmere red brick

In 2012 the cluster will be based at The Mere using stone, wood and metal.

Surface reflections in Ellesmere Mere