Touring National Wales Dragon Monument

Today, a new concept has been released – “A National Touring Sculpture for Wales”. It has been presented to Wrexham Borough Council, who will hopefully be leading this national project, discussions are ongoing.

The sculpture of four dragons is constructed on two tiers; the three at the base represent South, Mid, and North Wales. These are topped by one magnificent bright red dragon, which represents the strength of Wales as a whole. This ‘Mother of all Dragons’ is rearing up; elevated on the top tier and towering over all the separate Welsh regions as she unites them.

This sculpture will hopefully be created from scrap, unwanted household keys collected from the entirety of Wales. School children will be encouraged to contribute items from home for this impressive piece and will simultaneously be taught the importance of recycling. This will be of national significance, and we hope will raise huge awareness with Welsh children and households over what can be achieved from unwanted waste materials.

The idea was raised with the British Ironworks when the Wrexham Council (Leader Mark Pemberton) as Wrexham took delivery of the Knife Angel for their month-long anti-violence educational effort throughout the city this October.

The British Ironworks Centre thought they could assist in creating a new touring national sculpture but were concerned that there wouldn’t be sufficient enthusiasm for what would be one of so many dragon sculptures dotted all over Wales, therefore the idea emerged for this monument to travel to all four corners of Wales. There has never been a national monument of a dragon that has toured Wales previously.

Mr. Knowles, Chairman of the British Ironwork Centre recalled: “Some years ago, we came to know that North Wales were planning a spectacular new tourist and welcome centre at the gateway into North Wales, topped by a magnificent dragon. This vision sadly collapsed, and I think in some ways we are trying to ensure something positive occurs from this now. It won’t be as extraordinarily large, but we will always give our very best.”

When Mr Knowles was asked about a location, he replied by saying that he believed it would become a touring piece that travels all over the nation; accessible to all the communities throughout Wales, that have contributed.

When it isn’t touring, its home will be Wrexham, North Wales, until eventually retiring to the Ironworks sculpture Park to rest.

When asked if it would be funded by Wales, Mr Knowles said that a contribution would be welcomed, but he believes it would principally be self-funded by the British Ironwork Centre.

Creating a “National Sculpture for Wales” is a little unnerving – there are so many passionate patriotic opinions at play, and there’s a high risk you can’t please everyone.

So, Wrexham Council hopefully will be pioneering a national consensus to explore public opinion comprehensively first, hopefully our first artist’s impression will help to get this ball rolling!