independent Cornish news and comment

North Cornwall: St Pirran Returns to Cornwall

The Parish of Perranzabuloe in North Cornwall are, in conjunction with sculptor Peter Walker in the process of bringing back the Patron Saint of Cornwall, St. Piran to the site where, legend tells us he miraculously came ashore after being tied to a milestone. A life sized bronze statue of the saint will be located in the Parish and will become a major focal point for the heritage of the area. This will be a welcome sight to all those interested in seeing the preservation and celebration of all that which is Cornish.

In order to fund the statue Mr. Walker has created a small scale version of the final sculpture which is to be sold in order to finance the costs of the bronze casting and installation of the artwork. The life sized statue which will be around eight-ten feet tall when it is finally placed o­n its plinth, will it is expected be unveiled in 2006.

"We hope that this project will allow all those interested in the History and Heritage of Cornwall to share in bringing o­ne of its most significant historical figures back to the county. A Public Sculptural representation of St. Piran will be a wonderful feature for the town, and all of the thousands of people who are interested in the furthering of Cornish Culture."

A limited edition of 80 copies of the smaller scale St. Piran sculpture, will be made available to those interested in the project and those who would like to participate in bringing St. Piran permanently back to Cornwall. Interest from not o­nly within Cornwall but also nationally and from interested parties abroad is envisaged. Profits from the sale of this sculpture, which will in itself become a collectors item and unique representation of the Cornish Patron saint, will then finance the St. Piran Monument.

Peter Walker, "I am delighted that we will be able to cover the funding of the life sized statue by offering the edition copies at such an affordable price for a bronze sculpture. The locating of significant historic and cultural figures in the form of statuary is the perfect way of preserving our combined heritage for generations to come. For many people, not o­nly those who live in the county but also from Cornish communities around the world, the figure are St. Piran, the St. Piran day celebrations and the St. Piran flag, are defining features of Cornish identity".

Sculptor Peter Walker, has produced a number of major sculptures to date, and is currently working towards the creation of further monumental works, nationally and in Cornwall. His public work to date includes a Monument to Sir Izaak Walton (author of "The Complete Angler") and a recently completed fourteen foot statue of the goddess Isis which is in Staffordshire. His sculptural work has been exhibited widely, he has worked o­n such projects as The Eden Project, and he has work in a number of important collections, including The National Maritime Museum Cornwall and the New Art Gallery Walsall.

Anyone interested in Cornish Cultural Heritage and would like to contribute to the statue funds through the purchase of a copy of the edition bronze sculpture should contact Peter Walker.

For more information interested parties should contact:

<FONT face=AGaramond color=#0000ff>pwalkersculptor@msn.com