12 Feb A willow sculpture depicting The Mayflower has been planted in Harwich
A willow sculpture depicting The Mayflower has been planted in Harwich.
Artists Emma and Adam of Willow Phoenix were commissioned to do the piece at Harwich Green by Tendring District Council (TDC) as part of the Mayflower 400 commemorations.
2020 is a year of celebration of the 400thanniversary of the sailing of The Mayflower to the New World, carrying the Pilgrims, a year which will be book-ended by Illuminate Festivals in November around Thanksgiving.
Historic Harwich has a strong link to The Mayflower as home to the ship, its master Captain Christopher Jones – whose house still stands in Kings Head Street – and some of its crew. For this reason Harwich is part of the Mayflower 400 Compact, an international group of destinations linked to the story.
The artists designed the ship structure, while the local community got involved with planting at a special day supported by the Harwich Society.
Unlike previous willow sculptures in Harwich created by other artists, The Mayflower has been planted meaning it will grow and continue for years to come.
Alex Porter, TDC Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said the eye-catching sculpture would be a striking part of the visitor attraction in Harwich.
