Abbotswood Art Trail 2022 | Romsey, Hampshire

This project involved the creation of a new place-making and way-finding art trail for the Abbotswood community, a new development built adjacent to a nature reserve that is home to the Great Crested Newt.

The entire trail was themed around this protected species and the local natural environment. The trail consists of way-finding finger posts to guide users through the new urban development, alongside feature waymarkers designed as ‘mini village signs’ that detail local heritage and culture. Two feature sculptures, presented on plinths with integrated seating, were also created to act as focal and meeting points. All primary structural elements were fabricated from galvanised steel for durability, while decorative content panels on the way-finders and feature waymarkers were crafted from copper repoussé.

The designs for this copper artwork were developed through community consultations with local schools, a college, the scout group, a retirement home, and residents. Thrussells delivered this project in collaboration with the Community Engagement officer and Public Art officer from Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC).