Capercaillie Junction

Steve Keegan – Ridding Wood Trail – 1990

Photograph of Keegan creating the work from Country Living Magazine 1991

Material: Ceramic

Trail: Ridding Wood Trail

Theme: Nature

Form: Figurative – Capercaillies

Maps Featured on: None

Status: Removed, no remains

“I regard animals as a constant and enriching influence on our lives. I enjoy watching animals whilst they unwittingly continue their business. It was my intention to express just such a moment in ‘Capercaillie Junction’; four birds positioned in various poses in full view of the woodland path – one calling, one threatening, one defiant, one proud.” – Quote from artist from Grizedale Archive

Sited on the Ridding Wood Trail, this was commissioned with money from the Prudential Award won in 1990 to create an accessible trail.

The above image features close ups of drawings by Panayiotis Kalorkoti (Grizedale 4 – 1991 & Sketch: seq. no. 172 – 1992) who drew the sculptures at Grizedale in the late 80s to mid 90s. I believe these are of one of the capercaillies.

The top photograph shows the way the sculpture was made the description says “sawdust and stones are essential ingredients in the ad hoc firing of his raku capercaillies” – Country Living 1991. The birds were ceramic and by the looks of the fire not that big. I am yet to find any photographs of the artwork.

The work was not listed on the 1991 map, it may have been temporary, it certainly would be delicate.

Page last updated April 2020