The iconic group of willow sheep set on the island beds in the River Yeo in Cheddar Gorge has been beautifully renovated. Cheddar Parish Council commissioned Somerset willow sculptor Jo Sadler to complete the work. Originally crafted by Sophie Courtier in 2017 with community participation during the Cheddar Arts Fringe Festival, the sheep have become a focal point for visitors, symbolising the Soay sheep which roam freely, grazing in the gorge. Thanks to Jo’s expert touch and fresh Somerset-grown willow, generously donated by Musgrove Willows, these sculptures have been brought back to life.
Willow naturally degrades and time and the elements had taken their toll. Jo has stripped three of the sculptures to their raw metal frames, reinforcing their structure before weaving in fresh willow to ensure their longevity. The added metal framework means that when the willow naturally biodegrades, the sculptures will remain a work of art.
Cheddar Parish Council Ranger Toby Wall helped the artist Jo Sadler re-install them on the island beds, in good time for Easter visitors.
Photograph cr: Victoria Bishop
Willow sculptor Jo Sadler with Cheddar Parish Council Ranger Toby Wall and the restored willow sheep sculpture in Cheddar Gorge