Checkpoint Grizedale

By Andrea Gregson

Checkpoint Grizedale by Andrea Gregson

Checkpoint is a sculpture with a secret inside space, the coloured portholes cut at different heights, gives the sculpture eyes, drawing visitors inside. Standing inside and looking out, it is a space to see and be seen seeing. Once inside, you become immediately aware of birdsong, of the river nearby, amplifying the sounds of the surroundings. The sculpture is a reminder of the intrinsic value of nature, providing a space of focused stillness, inviting visitors to reflect upon their surroundings. The title also relates to the military history in Grizedale. In the grounds surrounding the visitor car park, the stone balustrade and steps is all that remains of Grizedale Hall, a majestic county home which during WW2, was recommissioned as a prison of war camp. Checkpoint seeks to understand the multiple layers of history in Grizedale.

Checkpoint is visible from paths surrounding the Millwood trail and references the tradition of sculpture in 17th century European landscape gardens. Once inside, visitors find something unexpected; a curious series of drawings; of a tawny owl claw to a feather and tools used in local industry to a fingerprint and bark patterns. The drawings are objects from the forest both past and present, details from its industrial and military history, flora and fauna.  At first glance the drawings seem unrelated, however they prompt questions about the connections we have to all these things. The drawings ask questions, of the surroundings and invite reflections on the relation between human industry and nature’s industry.

The colour is chosen to reflect the hues of Grizedale; of iron, larch bark, leather and the rich brown pigments flowing through the nearby streams. The colour camouflages the sculpture during autumn and winter and contrasts during the lush green spring and summer.

Checkpoint brings visitors together to share an experience. Small children might need a helping hand to see the drawings higher up. Looking up through the opening, treetops create kaleidoscopic patterns against the sky. Walkers can use it as a place of contemplation and observation, alone or in discussions with others. It reimagines the forest and its history through sculpture and drawing engaging adults and children with contemporary art.

Checkpoint has its own Instagram account managed by the artist, a site where visitors can tag or direct message their photos of the work throughout the different seasons.

Checkpoint Grizedale was part of a larger project and residency the artist carried out during the course of the year which provided valuable research time into the past of Grizedale and contact with the working forest we know today. This Arts Council Funded project also included an exhibition of works made during the residency and artists workshop programme to share knowledge from the process.  Checkpoint Grizedale is situated on the Millwood Trail.