Oak & Forged Steel
“Your work is remarkably skilful and eye-catching and I am not at all surprised that you have been so successful. I could not be more pleased that my Trust helped to start you on your way”
– H.R.H. Prince of Wales
Mark Reed was commissioned to design and create a bridge for Thistlefield Designs’ Gold Medal winning Show Garden ‘The Bridge to Success’
“The concept was of an overgrown pathway made of sandstone setts, running through rough grass, to symbolise the development of the young person, wishing to start their own business. The oak and forged steel bridge over a ditch symbolizes a Prince’s Trust mentor, helping and guiding the young person across to the other side and along their journey, on the pathway as it meandered its way through limestone paving, bordered by flower beds packed with cottage garden style planting, made up of a collection of mainly perennials, annuals and a few shrubs. The path finally exited the paving though a pair of gate posts on to a neatly cut lawn. The complete cycle from rough grass to neatly cut lawn, represents the young person’s idea of a business in it’s infancy, as it develops and it’s success.”
This was a idea very important to Mark as he originally embarked in business with the aid of The Prince’s Youth Business Trust. Without their help he would never have realised his sculpture and design and they were invaluable in supporting him in the early years in business. Hence he was delighted to have the opportunity to design and sculpt the hand forged steel and oak bridge which symbolised his own journey to success.
