The sculptural gateway at the entrance to The Hawthorns was designed and created by sculptor/blacksmith Avril Wilson. The design was inspired by the diversity of the plants and animals and the ethos of The Hawthorns.
Working to a life size plan of the gates, each individual piece was formed in a coal forge from mild steel and hammered using a mechanical hammer to shape and texture the metal. The two large ferns either side were cut using a plasma cutter. The large stems were welded onto the main framework before welding on the smaller details.
The Hawthorns sculptural gateway was commissioned under Southampton City Council’s Art in Public Places Strategy. Avril would like to thank Richard Quinnel Ltd. For their advice and support in the making of the gates.
Southampton City Council
