The Kingfisher Trail
The Kingfisher Trail is a new arts trail devised by the Cotswolds National Landscape.
For the 2021 trail Guy Warner decorated The Golden Kingfisher which was displayed at Iford Manor Gardens, Bradford on Avon between May - Oct 2021 and made available to win in a special prize draw.
The Kingfisher Trail highlights the importance of the Cotswold Hills in supplying water to three major rivers: the Thames, Severn and Bristol Avon. Kingfisher sculptures, decorated by 21 other artists, will be placed throughout the Cotswolds, around tributaries of these rivers.
When the 2021 trail ended the other 21 sculptures were auctioned to raise funds for the vital conservation work of the Cotswolds National Landscape and Guy's Kingfisher went to the prizewinner's home in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Sulis the Kingfisher
The inspiration for my kingfisher design comes from my passion for the landscape of the Cotswolds and in particular the conservation of that landscape.
The Cotswold Hills are home to such a rich patchwork of woods, fields, rivers, hedgerows and meadows and I have celebrated aspects of each of these in my design. I feel it is more important than ever that we are not complacent about the precious natural resources we have and that we keep working to protect them. The importance of this is highlighted perfectly by a project such as the Kingfisher Trail.
I especially wanted to include a reference to the watercourses of the Cotswolds because of the obvious relevance to kingfishers and the importance of water in conservation of wildlife and the landscape as a whole. The back of my kingfisher features a river which symbolises the various streams of the Cotswolds’ valleys.
I have named my kingfisher “Sulis” after the Celtic goddess of the thermal waters at Bath, later adopted by the Romans and worshipped as Sulis Minerva. Sulis the kingfisher will be displayed at Iford Manor Gardens, close to the banks of the river Frome, giving a connection to the ancient waterways of Bath and the South Cotswolds.
The style and colour palette I have used, as with my landscape paintings, is drawn from my love of early twentieth century design, particularly poster art of the 1920s and 1930s. The geometric patterned elements are inspired by the architecture of the many wonderful Norman Churches we have scattered throughout the Cotswolds… and just a hint of ancient Egyptian and Byzantine design thrown in for good measure!
Guy Warner, May 2021
Buy the special edition greetings card of Sulis the Golden Kingfisher
This greetings card is available singly or in packs of 5 with free UK delivery on orders under £20.
10 % of profits will be donated to Cotswolds National Landscape.
Only 270 cards have been printed so buy yours now before they run out!
Iford Manor Gardens
The gardens are part of the Iford Manor Estate - home to the Cartwright-Hignett family since 1965, with a rich history dating back to the Domesday Book
The peaceful, Grade 1 registered garden is unlike any other with its romantic design and architecture, combining formality with nature and magnificent rural views across an unspoilt valley, whilst beautifully framed architectural gems and antiquities punctuate your visit throughout. The gardens are set on the last hill of the Cotswolds, within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Sulis is located in the Iford Manor Café and Kitchen.
Go to the Iford Manor Estate website to book your visit.
