A striking life-size steel horse sculpture has been unveiled at the annual Bridgwater Fair in Somerset, England, celebrating the town's deep-rooted connection to the Romany community while honoring the memory of a young boy who tragically died decades ago. The sculpture, titled "The Horse for Bridgwater," was officially revealed at the opening ceremony of the town's traditional fair, marking a significant moment in recognizing the cultural heritage that has shaped this historic event for generations.
The powerful artwork was created by Romany artist Jake Bowers, who emphasized that the sculpture represents much more than artistic expression. "The horse was about taking Gypsy history and making it visible through sculpture," Bowers explained, highlighting his mission to bring recognition to a community whose contributions have often been overlooked. The sculpture serves as a tangible reminder of the Romany people's integral role in the fair's history and their ongoing presence in the community.
At the heart of this memorial lies a deeply personal story that connects Bowers to the project. The sculpture specifically honors the memory of Jessie Smith, a seven-year-old Romany boy who died in a tragic caravan accident while traveling to Bridgwater Fair in 1950. "His older sister is my cousin," Bowers revealed, adding an intimate family connection to the memorial. "When I was looking for places to remember Gypsy history, we decided we should remember little Jessie," the artist said, explaining how this personal loss became a symbol for broader community remembrance.
The creation of the sculpture itself embodies the collaborative spirit of the fair and community involvement. Parts of the impressive steel horse were actually forged at the previous year's fair event, with visitors participating in the creation process at a steel forge. This hands-on approach allowed community members to contribute directly to the artwork, making it a truly collective memorial that represents shared history and participation.
Bowers provided important context about the historical significance of Bridgwater Fair to the Romany community, explaining how the event has served as a crucial gathering point for generations. "They would come together to meet people, to see their friends and family, buy and sell horses," he said, describing the fair's traditional role as a social and economic hub. This annual gathering has maintained its importance as a place where community bonds are strengthened and cultural traditions are preserved.
The sculpture now stands prominently at the entrance to the fair's field, where it will greet visitors and serve as a permanent reminder of the site's rich cultural heritage. Scott O'Hara from Seed Sedgemoor, the organization supporting this meaningful project, emphasized the deep historical roots of the location. "The fair and livestock markets have taken place on the same site for more than 600 years," O'Hara noted, underlining the remarkable continuity of tradition at this location.
O'Hara further explained the sculpture's broader significance in connecting past and present. "Jake's sculpture is a tribute to that story of continuous meeting of community, tradition and celebration," he stated. "It is a new landmark that connects the town's past with the people who keep it alive today." This perspective highlights how the artwork serves not just as a memorial, but as a bridge between historical heritage and contemporary community life, ensuring that important cultural stories continue to be told and remembered for future generations.
