Rest a while... artist unveils steel chair for Rivelin Valley

Artist Jason Thomson, who created the piece, said: “From amidst the industrial remains of the Rivelin Valley, a steel chair has grown on an island that used to be a weir – fertilised by tales of metal and coppiced woods.

“Facing upstream, it may be the old time grinder’s rest awaiting the deluge of the river in spate – but more likely a perch for those walking in the valley to sit quietly and see the wildlife and the amber waters move.”

The sculpture was created as part of the Second Nature project, which aims to promote natural play in Sheffield’s woodlands.

Project officer Catherine Nuttgens said: “I wanted something that would encourage quiet reflection and appreciation of the wildlife of the river Rivelin, whilst echoing the woodland heritage and industrial architecture that can be observed all along the river’s banks.”

Members of the Rivelin Valley Conservation Group said they at first had reservations but were “won over by Catherine’s persistence and enthusiasm”.

Vice-chairman Keith Kendall said: “Now it has been installed we think it looks great and with the passing of time will it become just as big an iconic structure as the water wheels that once graced this site.”