Tuesday 1st October saw the long awaited installation of an 8m tall heron in Castletown! This is the world’s largest heron sculpture, albeit unofficially, and it was placed in situ in Castletown harbour. It has been created by Darren Jackson and Stephanie Quayle-Jackson, both renowned international artists.
The Heron sculpture will be the key piece on the Silverburn Art Trail and has been funded by the Manx Lottery Trust and awarded to the Creative Network to create a series of permanent artworks along the Trail. The Silverburn Art Trail is a project under development by the Creative Network and will feature a range of artworks in eclectic styles, from street art in Castletown, sculptural pieces in the countryside and ephemeral pieces made from natural materials which will disappear over time. The art trail runs from Castletown to Ballasalla via Poulsom Park, Monks Bridge to Silverdale Glen.
The Creative Network is a not-for-profit collective of almost 90 artists and was founded in 2012 with the aim of establishing an inclusive community for local artists to raise the profile of the Isle of Man’s art scene, both nationally and internationally.
The Creative Network is a Biosphere partner and believes that the Silverburn Art Trail will contribute to celebrating the Island’s unique biosphere environment.
As herons could often be seen along the river and in the harbour Darren and Stephanie were inspired to create a giant sculpture and hoped “to try and do justice to that glimpse of nature that we are fortunate to get here. They have this lovely quality where they stand statue still, waiting for their next meal” Stephanie said.
The Heron sculpture is being gifted to the town and an official handing-over ceremony that will take place in due course.
The Chair of Castletown Town Commissioners. Mrs Cannan said that "on behalf of Castletown, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Darren and Stephanie for the stunning heron sculpture.
Their remarkable talents have created a piece that beautifully reflects our natural surroundings. We are incredibly fortunate to have such gifted individuals in our community. As previously discussed, this artwork was not funded by the ratepayers of Castletown but is made possible through the efforts of the Creative Network to whom I would also like to extend our thanks.
We are privileged to display this wonderful work in the town, I have no doubt that the heron will become a landmark and a great talking point for Castletown and beyond. My Board and I look forward to seeing the continued development of the Silverdale Art Trail."
Speaking on behalf of the Creative Network Committee, Myra Gilbert said:
“Today the Creative Network is delighted to announce the successful installation of this new landmark sculpture in Castletown for island residents and visitors. We should like to thank Darren Jackson and Stephanie Quayle-Jackson for bringing their bold creative vision and consummate technical skills to this collaborative project by producing such a wonderful piece of iconic public art to mark the beginning of our Silverburn Art Trail.”
For more information:
