Horsetail Gates 2012

The Horsetail Gates - 2012

This is an amazing group of functional artworks that form an eye-catching entrance to the beautiful Moseley Bog & Joy’s Wood Nature Reserve in south Birmingham. The front section incorporates a working height barrier, signage (or ‘sculptural graphics’ as Adrian likes to call it) and fencing that morphs from steel to timber. This leads into a small car park from where you can walk through the sculptural kissing gate into the reserve. For special events the gorgeous vehicle gate is opened to allow access to a larger parking area.

So before you even go into the nature reserve you are given a taste of the amazing environment you’ll discover there. Moseley Bog is an immensely inspiring place and Adrian’s designs reference several ancient plants from the wetland, notably the Wood Horsetail, Hedge Garlic, Spring Fern Croziers, Crack Willows, climbers & root systems.

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As well as numerous research & development days Adrian spent exploring Moseley Bog, he also worked closely with the Reserve Officer from The Wildlife Trust For Birmingham & The Black Country, the commissioners of the entrance features. Together they organised a comprehensive programme of consultation events including outdoor exhibitions, workshops with local schools & nature volunteers, as well as collaboration with the Wildlife Trust’s board members and botanists.

Hundreds of local people participated in the consultation and the design proposals received a 99.5% positive vote of approval, so Adrian produced a working scale model, CAD plans & written information to assist with the compilation of a very detailed planning application.

Adrian fabricated the artworks from hollow & solid structural steel that was cold-formed & MIG welded, whilst using traditional blacksmithing techniques to forge the unique lettering. The work was then galvanized, treated & resin lacquered for maximum durability. Reinforced concrete foundations were laid for the front gateposts and all the work was installed in three days by Adrian and a local landscape contractor.

If you have chance to visit Moseley Bog you’ll need at least two hours to explore it and you’ll be uplifted by the wonderful environment. It certainly inspired JRR Tolkein, as he grew up nearby and based many scenes in his books on this precious place.