Talented sculptor Simon O’Rourke, from Cefn Mawr, is well-known for his unique creations by now.
Back in 2019, his giant dragon at Bethesda caused ‘traffic to slow down’ in order to catch a glimpse of it.
More recently, his Deadpool sculpture – in honour of Wrexham AFC co-chairman Ryan Reynolds – caught the eye on social media and beyond as it raised funds for charity.
Another notable work of Simon’s is the Giant Hand of Vyrnwy in Powys – which was transformed from the remnants of what was the UK’s tallest tree – after it was damaged in a storm.
Now, his latest work has seen him create a powerful hand sculpture which sits proudly outside the Maelor Hospital in Wrexham as of today (May 27).
Wrexham Community Gardens contacted Simon last year asking him to donate a sculpture in order to ‘enhance the gardens’ there.
Simon says the aim of the sculpture, made from a redwood tree, was to ‘symbolise the importance of hands in the medical field’.
He added that he wants it to be a ‘gift to the community’.
Simon said: “Hands are a practical and personal connection between people. I wanted to symbolise the importance of hands in the medical field, between staff and patients.
“The hand sculpture is creased and worn looking giving a feel of a working hand, and the symbol on the palm is the oldest medical symbol in the world, dating back thousands of years.
“The staff and serpent symbols are found worldwide in the context of medicine to this day, making it a universally understood motif.”
Simon added: “The sculpture is made from a Redwood tree that sadly had to be felled a couple of years ago in Welshpool, and it is always an honour to be able to give a tree another story by creating a sculpture.
“I created the sculpture as a gift to the community, and the location of the hospital is a significant one, as I’ve been treated there numerous times myself over the years. Public art is important in any community, I hope this brings some meaning to people.”
Simon also took to social media to ask people not to use the hospital car park if they are stopping to look at/take photos of the sculpture.
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He said: “If you stop to have a look, please don’t use the hospital car park. It’s incredibly difficult to find parking and we want to leave it for those using the hospital!”
Dr Stephen Stanaway, Wrexham Maelor Hospital Medical Director, said: “I’m delighted on behalf of all colleagues at the Maelor to see this beautiful statue by Simon O’Rourke unveiled on our site. The fact that this is a gift from the artist to his own local hospital is just an illustration of how important a place our facility holds in the public view.
“The imagery it displays beautifully represents how healthcare is largely about hands, about human contact and about one human being interacting with and responding to the needs of another.
“I would like to thank Simon for his generous and donation to hospital. His gift will be treasured for many years.”
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