Tightrope Walker Sculpture - Rudyard, Nr Leek, Staffordshire Moorlands. - Outside Wooden Display Carvings on Waymarking.com

The carving has been created by award winning artist, sculptor and craftsman Anthony Hammond, from an old oak tree at the dam end of the lake. The sculpture was constructed in memory of Carlos Trower a tightrope walker who walked on a rope suspended across the lake. The trunk of the tree also features an owl and a woodpecker. (visit link)

"In September 1864 Carlos Trower, an Afro-American tight rope walker who called himself ‘The African Blondin’ was engaged by the North Staffordshire Railway to walk across the lake on a rope suspended some hundred feet above the water.  This was the first major event organised by the NSR.  Special trains were run from nearby towns and the Potteries with over three thousand spectators attending." (visit link)

'The beautiful wood carving of the tightrope walker was unveiled in April 2016. For one weekend, Rudyard Lake was reimagined as it was in the late 1800s as an excursion place for thousands of day trippers.
A series of spectaculars took place on a floating stage on the lake, alongside the incredible recreation of Carlos Trower, “The African Blondin’s” daring tightrope walk by Chris Bull, high-wire walker otherwise known as 'Bullzini' of the Bullzini Family.' Source: (visit link)
(visit link)
The tree sculpture was completed in 2016 and supported by; The Arts Council England, Churnet Valley Living Landscape, Rudyard Lake League of Friends, Staffordshire County Council, Wild Rumpus and Mr and Mrs Kent of Longsdon.

Type of wood carving: Chainsaw carving Artist's Name: Anthony Hammond Approximate size/height: 15-20ft Type of wood: Oak Tree Other type: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
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"Visited" only remarks will not be accepted.

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Date Logged Log User Rating   10/14/2019 dtrebilc visited it 06/26/2017 Mike_bjm visited it

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