Norden wishing tree branches out

Garry Lavin assembling the forged branches for the Norden wishing tree

Students at Hopwood Hall College have been busy putting the finishing touches to their Gaudi inspired mosaic tiles that will form the base of the Norden wishing tree.

Whilst ex-tutor and artist, Garry Lavin, has been getting hot under the collar working in the College’s extremely high temperature forge facilities at the Rochdale campus.

The outer circle of the sculpture (seen here as a wooden template) is now complete – formed from high grade shiny stainless steel - and Garry has been using the College’s forge to bash and shape the branches that form the centre-piece.

All of the forged pieces have been welded together by renowned shipbuilding company ‘The Works’ (formerly Ramsey Shipbuilding works) who are famous for the ‘Star of India’, which was built in 1863, and was used to bring tea back from India.

Garry comments: “It’s been a great experience working on this project with students at the College and showing them new techniques like using the forge. They were amazed at the 40 degree temperatures emanating from the forge, the noise from the hammering and the sheer weight (half a ton) of the steel materials.”

He added: “The tree pieces are currently being assembled and polished and we’re really excited to see it in position in Norden soon.”

Only a few people have seen the design as it’s been a closely guarded secret but all will be revealed when the wishing tree is unveiled at the bus terminus park area in Norden next month.