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| ‘Praying Shell’ by Anthony Padgett |
A new sculpture has been unveiled on the coastal pathway out by Red Bank Farm (Archers Cafe) just north of Morecambe at Bolton-le-Sands. Set in a breathtaking headland location the “Praying Shell” by local award-winning artist Anthony Padgett combines themes from nature with the spiritual heritage of Morecambe Bay to create a potent symbol of reflection, renewal and environmental integration.
Anthony Padgett tells us that he made a smaller version of the piece back in 1994 when he used to frequent the Midland Hotel in Morecambe, a couple of miles down the coast, and the piece also lightly references the graphic style of Eric Gill (1882-1940), whose work along similar themes is superbly integrated into The Midland’s design. Padgett’s own artistic history as an artist and author draws on and illuminates the experience of the existential dilemma in the world. His inspiration for this sculpture was his sense of a parallel between humanity’s openness to a larger dimension and the way cockle shells open as the tide comes in.
The work will provide a point of interest and inspiration for walkers along the coastal path.
The sculpture was unveiled last Saturday 30 November by Councillor Ron Sands who has known Anthony for many years and is Cabinet Member responsible for Leisure, Culture and Tourism and is the former Head of Tourism for Lancaster City Council.
The artist led commission received planning permission to be sited at Red Bank Farm in spring 2013 and was then carved from limestone over the summer. Anthony’s other works include the award winning Millennium Angel at Leighton Hall and he is looking for future commissions.
You can find the location on satellite maps at postcode LA5 8JR.