Angel of the South takes flight to Topsham
There’s a new Wow! factor in Topsham right now - and it’s got wings!
The town has become the temporary home to the latest creation by east Devon sculptor and craftsman Brendan Rawlings, who makes large, striking, carved driftwood figures.
You can see his most recent masterpiece - The Angel of the South - in the grounds of St Margaret’s Church in Topsham, where it is on display until January.
The 12 foot angel is on show all day and is illuminated in the evenings, and has already become an Instagram and social media hit; it was extensively photographed at Topsham Quay before being installed at the church in the heart of the town.
“The inspiration for me is to evoke positive feelings with my sculptures - that’s why I like making angels, as they seem to touch people. So I’ve bought this one to Topsham to bring people some joy in these difficult times” explains Brendan.
Despite only being a full-time sculptor for less than two years, Brendan - who runs Zen Wood Design, based close to Topsham - has become a famous figure across Devon. His Angel of the South will be available to buyers in the New Year.
Love Topsham, the community interest company which operates as a cheerleader for the local residents and businesses, contacted Brendan in the autumn to suggest he create something for display in the town - and he kindly agreed.
“After a year like 2020 we need to lift spirits and keep our town thriving, What better way to do it than with this magnificent artwork?” asks Love Topsham director Jo Berman.
“We've been working hard to create Covid-safe joy for Christmas and the Angel is perfect. We hope that this attraction puts a spotlight on Topsham and goes some way to help our independent shops keep busy in a turbulent year. The Angel installation we hope helps everyone to forget the worst of 2020 and focus on the future."
The Angel installation and all Topsham’s businesses are entirely Covid-safe, and part of the community’s effort to be inclusive from businesses to residents and even churches.
“It’s so dynamic! It took my breath away when I first saw it and it’s a privilege for the church to host this sculpture. The way it’s been mounted you can see something almost flying out of the church - well, there can be nothing more appropriate at Christmas” explains the Reverend Louise Grace, who presides at Topsham’s St Margaret’s Church.
If you can’t get along to see the sculpture in person, you can catch a beautiful video of it on lovetopsham.co.uk or on our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook feeds @lovetopsham.
