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On Monday 9 May 2022 the Thames Valley Learning Partnership (TVLP) and a number of students from four local schools unveiled four stunning sculptures made from willow in the gardens at Thames Hospice.
A willow sculpture making workshop took place at Beechwood School in Slough on 26 April 2022 for art students from four local schools including Beechwood School, Eton College, Holyport College and The Langley Academy. Organised by the Thames Valley Learning Partnership (TVLP), the workshop brought together more than 30 pupils to create four willow sculptures, which have been donated to Thames Hospice for its facility in Maidenhead.
The sculptures were designed in line with the three Inpatient Unit wings at Thames Hospice, which are named after aquatic creatures: Kingfisher, Heron and Otter (a nod to the Hospice’s location next to Bray Lake). A fourth butterfly sculpture will also sit in the Hospice gardens to complement the bee and bug hotels, which are to be installed this summer to attract wildlife.
TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson said: “Partnering with local organisations Willowtwisters and Thames Hospice provided an exciting opportunity for students from different schools and backgrounds in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, and the Borough of Slough, to work together to create four wonderful willow sculptures.
“Knowing that these will be located within the beautiful grounds of the Hospice, and that they will be enjoyed by patients, staff and visitors for years to come, gives our students and schools a great sense of achievement and pride.”
It was an especially important event for one student from Beechwood School, Harvey, whose mother was cared for at Thames Hospice. He said: "I wanted to show respect for the Hospice and how they treated my mum in her last moments. It was a really fun event that I enjoyed taking part in."
Sara Holmes, Natural Artist from Willowtwisters, commented: "It was a great pleasure to work with TVLP, showing students from different schools and colleges how to sculpt using willow. Willow is such a wonderful, natural material to use creatively and the beautiful sculptures the students created in this community inspired project will not only give pleasure to the people at Thames Hospice but they will also provide valuable habitat for a myriad of insects and wildlife. I have even had a Jenny Wren nest in one of my willow sculptures before! Well done to all involved.”
Debbie Raven, Thames Hospice Chief Executive, added: “A huge thank you to TVLP and all the students who took part in this wonderful initiative. The sculptures are beautiful and very befitting for our aquatic location.
“We look forward to welcoming our community to pop in and admire our new willow creatures, whilst enjoying some refreshments in our café and taking in the spectacular view across Bray Lake.”
Photo: Emma Sheppard, Maidenhead Advertiser