Rook Crossing
David Kemp 1981
Photograph by Mark Prior
Located in the western side of the forest just west of Satterthwaite, 'Rook Crossing' was slightly before my time, unfortunately. However, as you can see from the picture, it was classic David Kemp; fun, accessible and yet unobtrusive. A description comes courtesy of Kemp himself, writing in 'A Sense Of Place':
"When walking through Jack Gap plantation one afternoon, I suddenly had the certainty I had arrived at a 'site'. I had been keeping to the Silurian Trail, trying to get the feeling that the casual hiker (sculpture spotter?) would experience. Jack Gap seemed to be the right place to stop a while and contemplate. That same afternoon, further along the trail, I found great mounds of the offcuts of stake making. The essence of Rook Crossing was there; a light, friendly piece that would make the weary walker smile."
David Kemp is highly regarded at Grizedale, his interesting and varied works helping to open up the sculpture project to a wider audience in the early years. Bill Grant had only kind words to say about him:
"When David Kemp arrived, the whole scheme had moved from being viewed with great scepticism by the local foresters, to enthusiastic co-operation. Being a figurative sculptor, with tremendous character, he endeared himself to the local people."
Also by this artist:
The Chariot 1980
The Heron 1981
Scale Green Birdman 1981
Deer Hunter 1982
Forest Fugue 1984
The Woodwinders 1984
The Ancient Forester 1988