From Storm to Spark: Wolverhampton's Stunning Cedar Candle Sculpture Shines Bright

In Wolverhampton, a new sculpture has been unveiled in the gardens of St Peter's Church. The artwork, created by local artist Robot Cossey, is a wooden carving of a candlestick, candle, and flame. It was made from the remains of a cedar tree that was damaged during Storm Darragh earlier this year. The tree had to be cut down for safety reasons, but instead of letting the wood go to waste, the council's arboricultural team suggested that Mr Cossey use it to create something meaningful. Now, the sculpture stands proudly on the stump of the old tree, serving as a symbol of hope and renewal.

Mayor Craig Collingswood attended the unveiling and described the sculpture as 'absolutely beautiful. ' He said it was inspiring to see how something that had been so badly damaged could be transformed into a piece of art that everyone could enjoy. The sculpture reflects Wolverhampton's motto, 'Out of darkness cometh light,' which means that even in difficult times, there is always hope for better things. The project was funded by the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which supports local improvements and community projects.

The new sculpture is just one part of a larger plan to make the church gardens and the city centre more attractive and welcoming. The council is also repairing and cleaning the fountain at St Peter's Church, and there are plans to install new lighting in the gardens to improve safety at night. The church facade and Wolverhampton Art Gallery will also be lit up to highlight the city's cultural landmarks. Councillor Chris Burden, who is responsible for city development, jobs, and skills, said that these changes are designed to encourage more people to visit Wolverhampton and make it a city that residents can be proud of. The council is inviting people to share their ideas for other stories and improvements in Wolverhampton, hoping to create a vibrant and engaging community.