An incredible scrap metal sculpture commemorating the dead of the Great War is coming on loan to The Black Watch Castle and Museum this summer, sparking hopes it will make Perth even more of a visitor destination.
Known as ‘The Hauntings’, a giant metal sculpture of a war-weary soldier, will be on display at the award-winning Perth visitor attraction between July 1 and November 12, the only Scottish venue to host the artwork to date.
The Black Watch Castle and Museum asked for the sculpture on loan from its private owners as it is a vivid representation of the many World War One soldier stories currently on display at the museum.
Standing an imposing 6.5 meters high, the ghostly capped man of rust was commissioned for the World War One centenary in 2014 by a couple in Somerset, Jo Oliver and Paul Richards, to commemorate those who served in the war.
The inspiration behind the sculpture was the reported sightings of a ghostly soldier seen wandering around the Somerset hills close to where Jo grew up, perhaps looking for his way home.
The sculpture was made by metal sculpture specialists, Dorset Forge and Fabrication, a combination of the talents of blacksmith Chris Hannam and artist Martin Galvenby. It is made from over 1,000 pieces of locally sourced scrap metal including horseshoes, brake discs, and car jacks, and its intricate design allows the light to filter through his body giving a ghostly aura.
The sculpture has been on a tour, visiting England and Ireland and now Perth in Scotland will be its home until after Armistice Day on November 11.
Events to engage the public and tie into the soldier’s installation at the regimental museum are being planned at the moment.
Jo Oliver, owner of the sculpture said: “Many years have spanned between my first childhood encounter with his ghostly presence on a Somerset hill until this point in time. He is now fulfilling his destiny as I saw it back then, ‘to make a difference’, to us all.
“To agree to him being within The Black Watch Castle and Museum is an honour and I know that his presence will be inspirational to all who gaze upon him.”
Anne Kinnes, CEO of The Black Watch Castle and Museum said: “We are extremely grateful to Jo and Paul for loaning The Hauntings to The Black Watch Castle and Museum, which will allow locals and visitors to stand beside this incredible and emotive sculpture and immerse themselves in all he represents, providing the space and time to reflect on all the physical and mental sacrifices that were made then, so we can live the lives we do today.”
Caroline Warburton, destination development director (Central and North East) at VisitScotland, said: “This is an exciting announcement from The Black Watch Castle and Museum and for Perth.
“It provides another reason to visit the city this summer, further enhancing the city’s appeal as a destination for arts and culture.
“Securing the only Scottish appearance of this remarkable sculpture will attract visitors from across the country, not only providing a boost to the city’s economy and tourism businesses, but also the opportunity to showcase Perth and Perthshire.”
For further information on The Hauntings and his visit to The Black Watch Castle and Museum, please visit https://theblackwatch.co.uk/
