Taunton’s New ‘Sculpted Willow Cathedral’ is UK’s First

Tuesday, 15 March 2011 09:43

The UK’s first ever ‘Sculpted Willow Cathedral’ is being constructed at Longrun Meadow in Taunton. This pioneering structure, made from Somerset willow, will stand at approximately 8m high and will offer a myriad of opportunities for gatherings - from picnics and family fun, to performances and celebrations.

The cathedral will be made of living willow that will green up over time and will take a number of years to reach maturity. The project’s design stage started in spring 2010, with construction beginning early in 2011, and it is due to be completed by May. The structure, measuring 30m by 16m, promises to be both imposing and inspiring.The willow cathedral has been designed and created by Somerset based artists, Stefan Jennings and Sophie Courtiour. Both sculptors have been responsible for impressive willow sculptures across the county, the UK and internationally - however this is by far their biggest undertaking to date. Stefan comments:

“Creating the cathedral is a serious test for us due to the dimensions involved and the nature of the materials used. The opportunity to create this type of structure is something we have both been working towards for a number of years and as far as we are aware nothing of this scale has been made before in the UK.

“It’s locality near the banks of the River Tone in a fresh new public space seems right for Taunton. Longrun Meadow is a really expansive green space close to the town centre, which is proving very popular with local people. I believe that the structure will fit perfectly into the landscape and will offer a connection with nature and the life of the river.”

It is the second structure to be built at Longrun Meadow, following hot on the heels of the green oak barn that was completed in November 2010. The open sided barn was designed and crafted by Bruton based Timber Frame Company and is constructed of oak and Douglas Fir, roofed with Roman style clay tiles. Both these bespoke structures have been created for the whole community to use and benefit from. The oak barn has already been used for a number of activities including a refreshments venue for a Somerset College outdoor activities event.

Ian Franklin, Project Director for Project Taunton said: “This sustainable willow building is another great addition to Longrun Meadow and a first for the UK. Its peaceful riverside location offers a quiet retreat in close proximity to the town centre amenities. We hope it will be used by all sections of the community for a wealth of different activities, from theatre productions to yoga classes, for years to come!”

The willow for the cathedral comes from the Somerset Levels, now the only area in the UK where basket willow is grown commercially. Willow has been grown, cut and used in Somerset since humans first settled on the Levels – making it an apt choice of material for this unique structure.

The sculpted willow cathedral and the oak barn sit comfortably in the natural environment of Longrun Meadow. Opened in August 2010 and boasting a network of informal footpaths, Longrun Meadow is the outdoor recreation location of choice for the community and local groups. It offers 65 acres of 'rural' landscape just a short walk from the town centre. Its creation is part of Project Taunton – the 50 hectare regeneration of Taunton’s town centre.

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