New public art trail linking the Harley Gallery with Creswell Crags

The sculpture created by artist Michelle Reader will be installed at The Harley Gallery as part of a new trail.

The 40-minute circular route will take visitors along the Robin Hood Way footpath on the historic Welbeck estate, giving families the chance to explore art in a new way.

The project, funded by a grant from Rural Development Programme for England, aims to draw more people to the visitor attractions, near Worksop.

The sculpture, made out of architectural salvage materials sourced from the Welbeck estate, will form the start of the trail. Michelle, who is based within the Harley Studios on the estate, has been making sculptures from reclaimed materials for more than 23 years.

Meanwhile, kinetic sculptures and panels created by renowned designer, Martin Smith, will mark the way along route to Creswell Crags.

Martin, who is currently working on a commission for the National History Museum, is also known for his many art commissions for fashion designer, Paul Smith.

Director of The Harley Gallery, Lisa Gee, said: “Since lockdown we have all valued the joy of walking and being in the outdoors more than we have ever done before.

We’ve seen increasing numbers of people walking the Robin Hood Way between The Harley Gallery and Creswell Crags.

"We hope that the new art trail will deepen people’s enjoyment of Welbeck and for the art that we have here at The Harley Gallery and create an added attraction to north Nottinghamshire.

"This is an exciting project that will appeal to all ages and capture young imaginations as they follow the trail between the two attractions.”

As part of the circular trail, visitors will be able to explore contemporary art within The Harley Gallery, historic art in The Portland Collection museum and Creswell Crags, which is the site of Ice Age Rock Art, which is thousands of years old.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together.