Pontesbury community comes together to celebrate library sculpture
News from our partners Friends of the Community Library at Pontesbury
On Saturday 3 February 2018 morning a large and enthusiastic crowd braved the cold and rain for a special event at the Community Library at Pontesbury. Local artist Bill Sample was presenting his sculpture commissioned by the Friends of Pontesbury Library entitled “The Reader”.
The sculpture was already in position, but suitably covered against the weather and prying eyes as Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, stood ready to perform the unveiling honours. This was a significant moment for the continuation of the library in Pontesbury.
sculpture “The Reader”
There was a gasp of delight followed by spontaneous applause as Lezley Picton revealed the seated figure reading a book. People who attended expressed their delight and pride in having such a beautiful and significant piece of artwork outside their library.
Left to right; Bill Sample, sculptor; Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure; Councillor Nick Hignett.
Bill Sample explained to the audience how he had carved the sculpture from a piece of Douglas Fir. It came from a huge fallen tree on Pontesford Hill. Two willing community members and a trailer helped transport the heavy sap-filled trunk section to Bill’s workshop.
The sculpture took several months to complete. You can see its progress on the Friends of Pontesbury Library website www.pontesburylibrary.co.uk . Bill has skillfully used the distinctive grain of the Douglas Fir to enhance the human form which has a Buddha-like quality. Bill has given his time and creativity for free. He believes, based on his personal experience, that libraries are an essential resource for any community.
As Friends of the Community Library at Pontesbury we welcome “The Reader” to its new home, here to remind everyone of the valuable and cherished place libraries have in our communities. Our grateful thanks go to Bill Sample, Lezley Picton, Councillor Nick Hignett, Councillor Duncan Fletcher, and to everyone who attended.
