Commission Story — Pikorua Sculpture
Visiting Valley Gardens, Harrogate
In November 2022 I visited the New Zealand Garden, an area within Valley Gardens in the centre of Harrogate. I met with Sue Wood, Horticultural Development Office from Harrogate Borough Council, and Nigel Clay from Harrogate International Partnerships Ltd to discuss a commission for a large, free-standing sculpture in Yorkstone.
In outline the sculpture would follow the theme of a New Zealand emblem, which would be placed at the centre of the garden which is in the process of being pruned, regenerated and remodelled. We marked the spot with a red dot where the sculpture will sit.
The New Zealand connection
Links with New Zealand go back to the Second World War. Many New Zealand and Australian aircrew were stationed in Harrogate. Those lost are remembered in the memorial for the Commonwealth War Graves in Stonefall Cemetery in the town. This led to Harrogate being twinned with the city of Wellington in New Zealand.
The garden dates to 1954 commemorating the twinning.
The Pikorua Symbol
The Pikorua is a famous Maori symbol that represents the journey of life, friendship, eternity and loyalty, as well as the connection of people and the joining of different cultures. Its positive symbolism and universal relatability have made it one of the most popular symbols as a decorative motif in carvings.
The design resembles the twists of new PikoPiko fern fronds that are intertwined and found in New Zealand native forests.
Site preparation
Meanwhile, during my time of being lost in the curves of the Pikorua, at Valley Gardens the team from Harrogate Borough Council are busy preparing the site in readiness for the sculpture and creating a plinth for the Pikorua to sit on.
Finishing the Pikorua sculpture
To achieve a contrast of the Pikorua shape, emerging from the more rustic lower section, it needed to be sanded smooth. Every inch is gone over with abrasives to level any bumps or lumps, so the eye follows the loops, twists and curves freely.
Delivery and installation of Pikorua sculpture
On delivery day I was joined by the very well prepared and able team from Harrogate Borough Council. Happily, we had a morning of lovely sunshine and my ‘helpers’ efficiently and speedily had the sculpture off-loaded and installed on its plinth.
Now they can put the finishing touches to the new garden, with planting and pathways ready for the ‘grand opening’.
New Zealand Garden re-opening
Organised by Harrogate International Partnerships the garden was officially opened on 22 April 2023.
Valley Gardens in Harrogate looked so beautiful and spring fresh with blossom for the day. The Tewit Intermediate Band placed to begin proceedings, and the National Anthems of New Zealand and the UK performed and sung.
Welcomes and introductions were made by Chair of Harrogate International Partnerships Dennis Richards.
Elizabeth Smith followed with a short history of the New Zealand Garden from 1953 to 2010 and the link with Stonefall Cemetery.
The new board highlighting features within the garden was officially opened by Bobbie Sissons and Fran Sissons gave a talk about her father and the history of the garden ongoing from 2010 to 2022.
Sue Wood, Harrogate Borough Council brought to life the planting in the refurbished garden and explained about the plants chosen and their relevance.
After the unveiling of the sculpture by Virginia Partridge, a vote of thanks to the people of Harrogate was given by Flt. Lieut. Dan Channon RNZAF who represented his county at the opening, and the New Zealand capital of Wellington.
