Bonfire Sculptor:
Philip Bews

'Free' was a 6m tall Fire Sculpture created by Philip Bews to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery.

'Free' was built in July 2007, with two days' assistance from Peter Covington-Jones and one day's help from Graham Harrison.

Sited at Taurus Crafts, Lydney, it was burnt on Saturday 1st September 2007.

'Free' seen at day time.

'Free' was constructed as a 6 metre high triangular structure supported by softwood poles framework. The softwood board cladding created patterns.

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'Free' seen at night time.

The triangle rested on a 2-metre diameter wood sphere. A small sailing ship was located at the top of the triangle. The triangle represented the three-way, 18th Century slave trade. The sphere was the earth and the ship represented the thousands of slave shipments.

Tribal Vibes