‘Perch Here’ is a trail of unique furniture and features, inspired by – and created with – the local community.
Take a wander down the riverbank to discover quirky seats and bespoke pieces conceived by local designer and wood artist, the aptly named Peter Tree!
Inspired by ideas and local themes gathered during workshop sessions, Peter has guided the creation of the trail with the involvement of countless local participants.
Experience the connection to farming and agriculture, to the waterways for fish and food - and for adventure and exploring the unknown…
The project is a collaboration between Lincolnshire County Council and Transported, the Arts Council England-funded Creative People and Places programme for Boston and South Holland. Its purpose is to enhance the village’s appeal to both residents and visitors by improving physical and visual links between the riverside, bridge, moorings, and the village centre, and to offer opportunities for more people to engage with the arts.
The features have been created by the aptly named Peter Tree (yes, his name really is Peter!), a Boston-born master craftsman, designer and artist, and the country’s premier maker of Windsor chairs. The designs are whimsical and anecdotal responses to the heritage and stories that people from the area shared over several weeks of consultation workshops on the Sutton Bridge Green.
The artworks, funded by a grant from the Coastal Communities Fund, were conceived and designed by Peter and created with help from members of the Long Sutton Men’s Shed and in sessions hosted and supported by the Boston and South Holland Woodcarvers (the Woodies) and inspired by members and the team from the inspirational Long Sutton Youth Shed.
The bird theme reflects the importance of the Wash to millions of migrating sea and marsh dwelling birds, and the light house home of ornithologist and talented artist, Sir Peter Scott, on the opposite bank of the River Nene.
Below are a taster of just some of the sculptures along the trail with the rest waiting for trail followers to uncover!
Sutton Bridge – the Gateway to Lincolnshire
Explore the wonderful range of facilities available including restaurants, pubs, takeaways and cafes to enjoy, along with a choice of accommodation. There are convenience stores, services and specialist shops to browse.
King Johns Crown
King John’s Treasure is thought to have been lost whilst his entourage crossed the flooded salt marshes en route from Kings Lynn towards Newark. Treasure in medieval times would likely have been a ring or seal, a chain of office, perhaps a small crown and drinking goblet. There are many theories about how King John first became ill at Swineshead Abbey, before dying at Newark Castle. One suggestion is that he was murdered by drinking ale laced with poison from the skin of a natterjack toad. His final journey can be found on the back of the carving.
Treasure Chest
The piece nearest to the village takes inspiration from bees, with mini treasures donated by local residents, as it is them - not the lost treasure of King John - that are the precious things that make a place special, fostering a sense of ownership and pride of the history and the place.
It has been designed to reflect the angles and form of a honeycomb, which are precious, to protect the young, nurtured with honey.
