Lancaster park dragon sculpture restored after three year research project reveals its origins

The search for the origins of the “Raku” or “Dragon” sculpture in Williamson Park was started by the Friends of Williamson Park (FOWP) in Spring 2017.

Hilary Smith, from FOWP, said it was looking scruffy and unloved and no one at the park had any idea of what or how old it was, or where it came from.

With the help of a Lancaster Guardian appeal back in 2017, people who had been involved in the sculptures creation in 1992 came forward.

Hilary said: "Over the last three years the Friends group pieced together this history, and researched and completed the restoration of the sculpture.

"The story board by the sculpture explains that it was the result of a six week art project by staff and patients of the Royal Albert Hospital in Ashton Road.

"The patients were being moved out into the community as the hospital closed and they wanted to give something to the people of Lancaster.

"They were taken to visit their favourite places in the district like Glasson Dock, Williamson Park, Morecambe Bay and drew pictures of them.

"These were transformed into this mosaic sculpture, which was not only an impressive art work but designed so that people of all abilities could interact with it."

Various options for restoring the sculpture were investigated with local artists, sculptors and designers.

It was decided - after taking into account the costs, practicalities and the need to retain as much as possible of the original design - to just clean it and use colour matched paints to paint in the lost tiles.

The “Money Tree” on the site was replaced as well as a missing squirrel tail.

Hilary added: "The Friends had great support from local companies and the park staff.

"This area off the main drive is now a quiet place to sit and enjoy the colours of the sculpture, and in spring the display of daffodils planted by the Friends of Williamson Park."

Further information about the project is available on the Williamson Park website.