Funded with monies from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the benches forming the art trail have been reinvigorated by local artists to showcase beautiful designs that reflect the history and character of the River Lea. Boasting wonderful scenes of locally found wildlife and flora, as well as of locations familiar to regular towpath visitors, each bench tells a unique story. Two additional benches will be installed in the coming weeks to complete the trail, bringing the total number up to 11.
Having been repaired and reinstalled by Ware Men’s Shed, a local charity that offers men a space to converse, connect and create, the benches will offer comfort to those enjoying the scenic and popular walk for many years to come. The River Lea Art Trail has received additional financial support from the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and Hertfordshire County Council, with the trail giving people of all ages the opportunity to take a break as they get to know this popular nook of East Herts.
An event to launch the River Lea Art Trail was held on Sunday, 31 May, and was attended by local residents eager to see the vivid new benches. Visitors had the chance to explore the towpath with the bench artists, discussing the concepts and vision behind the trail whilst also being the first to get stuck-in to the new River Lea Art Trail guide.
The guide, which affords greater insight into the River Lea Art Trail, its creation, the artists and the other collaborators involved, can be viewed on the council’s website, and also features activities for children to do as they walk the towpath and take in the benches.
Of the River Lea Art Trail, Councillor Vicky Glover-Ward, Executive Member for Planning and Growth, said, “I’m grateful for the efforts of all those involved in bringing the River Lea Art Trail to life – the fruits of this project will serve the Hertford and Ware communities for years to come, offering comfort, enjoyment and education to regular visitors of the towpath, as well as to those adventuring through the district for the first time.
“Whilst these beautiful benches add to the wonderful character of the towpath, they importantly also offer respite to those exploring the trail who might need to take a break before continuing their journey along the River Lea. Ware Men’s Shed and each of the fantastic artists involved can certainly be proud of the new local landmarks they have created, and of the positive impact they’ll have.”
Jade Dawn, Project Manager for the River Lea Art Trail and a contributing artist, said, “I’m incredibly excited to see my vision for the River Lea Art Trail come to life after months of hard work. It has been an absolute privilege to be able to contribute to the trail, and I am thankful to East Herts Council and our other partners for championing local artists by offering them this platform."