Bridged

Bridged -

Part of ‘These Passing Things’ exhibition

At the southern end of the water garden, close to the border between the historic garden and Fountains Abbey a bright red bridge arches over the river. The piece is a lightweight timber construction with a waterproof polyester skin wrapped around it creating a series of starburst spikes. The red contrasts with the predominantly green surrounding palette making a strong visual reference point in the landscape. The bridge is located at the historical site of the ‘New Bridge’ which linked the east side of the gardens with tent hill on the west. The original bridge may even have worked as a visual focal point in the view from Anne Boleyn’s Seat.

The tent bridge draws on the temporary tent structures on adjacent Tent Hill, while the spirit of the Pyramid rests in its four-sided spikes.

Visible from the Abbey the bridge becomes a visual link between the two parts of the site and attracts Abbey visitors who may not normally venture to the Water Gardens. As a functioning weight-bearing structure, Tent Bridge opens up new circular paths on both the Abbey and Water Gardens ends of the site.

Created with investment from Arts Council England and the National Trust, who commissioned this artwork, as part of Trust New Art