New wooden owl sculptures now greet visitors at the gateway to Carnforth, replacing beloved artworks that had deteriorated beyond repair after five years of exposure to the harsh elements. The two new sculptures, named Celia and Trevor in homage to the classic film "Brief Encounter" which was filmed at Carnforth Station, were installed last week at their prominent perch atop Haws Hill. Crafted from durable hardwood and mounted on stone plinths donated by a local quarry, these replacement guardians promise to watch over the town for decades to come while celebrating themes of love, loyalty, and local heritage that resonate deeply with community identity.
The original owl sculptures, carved by local artist Rolande Urwin in 2018, had become cherished landmarks that welcomed residents and tourists alike to the historic market town. Known collectively as the Guardians of Carnforth, the previous pair had been commissioned as part of a community arts initiative to enhance the town's visual identity and celebrate its natural surroundings. However, despite regular maintenance efforts by town council workers and volunteer preservation groups, the wooden figures began showing signs of serious decay by early 2023. Moisture infiltration at the base caused progressive rot that eventually compromised their structural integrity, forcing their removal last June and leaving the hilltop perch empty for nearly a year while solutions were developed.
The new sculptures maintain the same imposing presence as their predecessors, standing approximately six feet tall with intricately carved feather details and expressive golden eyes that seem to follow passersby. Artist Rolande Urwin returned to create the replacements, incorporating lessons learned from the first installation's technical shortcomings. "The community's attachment to these owls touched me deeply," Urwin explained. "This time, we've used a more resilient wood species and elevated them on natural stone bases to prevent ground moisture absorption." The names Celia and Trevor reference characters from "Brief Encounter," the 1945 romantic drama that put Carnforth on the cinematic map and remains a source of local pride and historical significance.
Carnforth Town Council oversaw the restoration project, securing funding through a combination of municipal arts allocations and community fundraising that generated over £8,000 from local supporters. The quarry's donation of two massive sandstone blocks, valued at approximately £3,000, solved the critical engineering challenge of moisture protection while adding aesthetic weight to the installation. Council spokesperson James Morrison emphasized the sculptures' symbolic importance: "These aren't just decorations—they represent our town's resilience, our connection to nature, and our appreciation for art that everyone can enjoy without visiting a gallery." The installation ceremony drew dozens of residents, including families who had followed the project since the original owls' removal.
Technical improvements should significantly extend the sculptures' lifespan. The selected hardwood has been treated with eco-friendly preservatives and UV-resistant coatings specifically formulated for outdoor art installations. The stone bases elevate the owls eighteen inches above ground level while allowing air circulation underneath, preventing the moisture trapping that doomed the previous versions. Additionally, the town council has established a biannual inspection schedule and created a small maintenance fund to ensure the sculptures receive proper care throughout the seasons. Local schools plan to incorporate the owls into art and local history curricula, using them as examples of public art and community stewardship.
Community reaction to the new Guardians has been overwhelmingly positive, with social media posts celebrating their return generating hundreds of shares and comments. Visitors have already begun photographing the owls and sharing memories of the original sculptures, creating a digital archive of public art appreciation. The success of this project has inspired discussions about additional public art installations throughout Carnforth, potentially including a walking trail that connects various sculptures and murals. For now, Celia and Trevor stand ready to witness the changing seasons and welcome new generations to a town that understands the value of blending artistic expression with civic identity and collective memory.
