Thompson Dagnall
Sculptor
"The relationship that
you struck up with our pupils in such a short space of time was incredible. Not
only did you manage to inspire them creatively, but this carried over into all
sorts of other areas…. it was an absolute pleasure working with you a sentiment
felt not only by myself but by all the members of the class. They are always asking
about you and hoping you come back." Terry Curran Yr4 North Grecian St. School
Salford.
( for the Groundwork Trust Salford)
Engaging
the community
I have found that an introductory slide
show to the local community/schools works best. Explaining the proposed project
and asking for their help in arriving at an inspired idea. This open and inclusive
approach helps to make the subsequent sculpture accepted as a local creation designed
specifically for the site and belonging to the community.
Hands
on participation
I have considerable experience of running
community projects both as sculptor in residence, eight months with Ribble Valley
and two four month residencies with Lancashire County Council at Beacon Fell Country
Park, as well as numerous school based and community based projects chiefly for
The Groundwork Trust at St Helens, Blackburn, Rossendale and Wirral. My community
involved projects which always have a hands on element are invariably met with
great enthusiasm by the participants.
Liaison
I also have extensive experience working closely with architects, engineers
and the media.
Current
"Crows
Nest" I have been asked back to undertake the second Phase of the Ribble
Link Sculpture Trail.
Commissioned for the Waterways Trust at the sea lock
end of the Ribble Link, Preston.
Oak and steel. 15ft x 7ft x 4
"Halsall
Navvy" a stone figure just sighted in the canal at Halsall to mark the cutting
of the first sod on the Leeds Liverpool canal. Commissioned by the Canal Partnership
and British Waterways.
Previous Experience
As
you will see from the public commissions section of my CV I have extensive experience
of public artworks, In the last few years I have most notably completed a stone
carving at J4 M65. Commissioned by Blackburn with Darwen BC. It is a 2½
times life size figure "Arte ET Labore" carved from a 92 ton block of
millstone grit and is sited with very good visibility from the motor way.
I
completed a major project for Mersey Waste Disposal Authority, an earthwork figure
"Stargazer" (the subject of a ½ hour Granada documentary) and
a gateway feature at Bidston on the Wirral.
I also completed a commission in
Portland limestone for the TUC "The Tollpuddle Six" sited in front of
the Tollpuddle Martyrs Museum in Dorset.
I have recently completed a large
timber figure for the Ribble link project in Preston "Gauging the Ripple"
commissioned by British Waterways.
"Brother in Arms" Commission
for English Partnerships This is a gateway feature in stone and forged steel spanning
the entrance to a commission for Newtown's site North of Preston.