Waterside Quarter - Sculpture Trail

Discover and celebrate the history of Maidenhead

Here at Waterside Quarter, you can celebrate a slice of Maidenhead’s history, with our very own thought provoking collection of Maidenhead Memories sculptures and artwork.

Commissioned from a selection of artists, the series of sculptures and artwork is set across the public spaces in and around Waterside Quarter.

Get the family involved and follow our exciting sculpture trail by collecting the Kid’s Sculpture Trail map from the Shanly Homes Marketing Suite or download using the link below. Use the map to help find the sculptures and discover more.

The Maidenhead Memories artwork was created by Kirsty Brooks as a landscape backdrop to the sculptures, setting a tone for future waterside enjoyment and adventure.

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The Lion

Dedicated to Maidenhead resident Sir Nicholas Winton who was awarded the highest honour of the Czech Republic, for his part in saving 669 children, by aiding their escape from Czechoslovakia on the eve of the Second World War and finding them new homes in Britain.

CREATED BY OWEN CUNNINGHAM

The Toucan

The toucan pays tribute to the famous English actress Diana Dors, who opened the popular El Tucan café at this location in 1955.

CREATED BY GEORGE AND BRIAN FELL

The Stag

The stag sculpture plays tribute to Ceterwayd, a famous stag who was chased by The Royal Buckhounds, hunters from the Royal household who met in Maidenhead every Easter Monday in the 15th century. It was illegal to hunt Ceterwayd as he was the Royal Stag, so instead the challenge was to see if any of the hunters could touch him during the course of the day.

CREATED BY GEORGE AND BRIAN FELL

Writings On The Wall

From Chapter 11 of The Wind in the Willows, this extract pays tribute to the author Kenneth Grahame who is known to have lived the early part of his life in the north of Maidenhead.

The Pig

This takes inspiration from the pigs that were once raised at a pig farm here. According to agricultural records, the Maidenhead pigs were sold onto clients that went on to win a host of awards.

CREATED BY GEORGE AND BRIAN FELL

The Fairground Horse

This sculpture is a nod to Carters Steam Fair, a nation-wide vintage funfair that is Maidenhead-based.

CREATED BY MB FINE ARTS AND PAINTED BY CARTERS STEAM FAIR

The Bats

The vampire bats took their inspiration from the Count Dracula films that were created locally at Bray Studios. During filming, a special effects technician reportedly bought rubber bats from Woolworth’s in Maidenhead to use as props in the final scenes.

CREATED BY OWEN CUNNINGHAM

The Alligator

Another sculpture with strong links to Diana Dors, the Alligator artwork is based on the 1955 film that furthered the British actress’ career, An Alligator Named Daisy.

CREATED BY OWEN CUNNINGHAM

Maidenhead Memories Artwork

‘Maidenhead Memories’ is a collaged artwork designed by Kirsty Brooks that presents itself as a postcard from the town, an ode to simpler times – embarking on unknown adventures and enjoying the great outdoors.

Drawing on Kirsty’s experiences of growing up in Maidenhead, enjoying local parks and the surrounding countryside, she wanted to represent the aspects of Maidenhead which are universally appealing, reflecting the pockets of the town which haven’t altered and still draw people in. The buildings and skyline may be changing but the appeal of the river and green spaces are a constant.

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