Richard Bracken Artist

Referencing the shape of a traditional charcoal clamp, Platform aims to make a connection between past and present-day activities in the forest.  A once-prevalent industry in the West-Highlands, evidence of charcoal making can still be found in many woodlands in the form of flat ‘charcoal platforms’ as are visible at Loch Arkaig.

Part of Ulaidh / Loch Arkaig Art Trail, the sculpture aims to bring this aspect of the forest more fully into our imaginations and at the same time, prompt people to consider the priorities for woodland management and use today.  By not burning or carbonising the wood, the sculpture will begin to decay naturally and act as a home for other life.  Just as the charcoal provides us warmth, or the ability to work metal, the wood in the clamp will provide opportunities for countless other organisms to flourish.

Using limbs and other felled timber from the beech veteranisation process, the cross-section and cut through the dome is intended to allow the viewer to observe the internal structure of the artwork and get closer to the natural processes taking place amongst the timber.

The panels, laser engraved by Simon Baker incorporate maps from the 18th century and those from the present day forest plan. Text was contributed by Leonie Charlton.