Robert Koenig came to Grizedale in 1982 and set about creating what would become some of the forest's most enduring works. 'Compound For Redundant Symbols' consisted of a number of narrow trunks with symbols carved into the top of them, and could be found close by to another of his sculptures; 'The Signpost'. This description comes courtesy of the artist himself:

 

"A group of eight slim oak columns/totems, some split down the length with metal wedges and a sledgehammer and then shaped with a chain saw. They were coloured with subtle wood stains. The height of the elements ranged from 3ft – 15 ft. A 15 ft fallen oak tree trunk lying across this area had the following inscription carved into the surface: “Good People Share the Compound for Redundant Symbols”"

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You can just about make out this inscription on the log at the front of the picture above.

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The prolific Koenig was born in Manchester in 1951 and his early work at Grizedale is a good introduction to the rest of his output. He tends to work with wood, preferring to source his materials locally, where possible. Some of his work has touched on the theme of his ancestry, his Polish roots in particular. His 'Odyssey' project consists of figures carved from trees grown on his mother's farm in Poland, and has since gone on to tour Europe, following in his family's footsteps, from the Ukraine to Trafalgar Square and many places in between. Some of his work is located in even further-flung locales; his 'Polaris Seat', purpose-built for observing the North star, sits on top of a castle in Quishan, China.

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Also by this artist:

Multiple Arch 1982

The Guardians 1982

Private Meeting 1982

Triangular Suspension 1982

Trophies 1982

The Signpost 1983