Drolla – The Storytelling Bench
About
We commissioned Cornish metal sculptors Thrussells to create a work of art that celebrates Cornish distinctiveness in the 12 sections of Cornwall National Landscape.
Aim
Deliver a project which uses nature and the arts to increase access to the protected landscape and improve wellbeing.
Project Overview
The project underscores Cornwall National Landscape’s commitment to promoting the importance of open, accessible green and blue spaces for leisure, health and recreation. Ultimately, Drolla – The Storytelling Bench encourages visitors to share their own experiences, connecting personal narratives with a larger tapestry of Cornish life.
We are delighted that Drolla – The Storytelling Bench will start it’s journey around the 12 sections of Cornwall National Landscape at Trebah Garden (Section 8). The bench will be at Trebah from 23 January to 27 April 2025. It’s free to experience the bench in The Court Garden at Trebah and to pick up our special children’s activity sheets. Stay awhile, enjoy the tranquillity and add your story to The Book of Drolla – our special guestbook.
The air still as if asleep. Cool droplets form on my brow. Scents of blossom mingle in my mind as the brisk breeze encircles my minds eye. The light cascades the flowing ripples and I hear distant stories beyond the wall
Excerpt from The Book of Drolla
Benefits
Our Primary Purpose is to conserve and enhance Natural Beauty.
Our priority is to lead and support projects which deliver under these four key categories.
People
Example people benefit
Place
Example place benefit
Nature
Example nature benefit
Climate
Example climate benefit
Project Detail
The Drolla project is rooted in the belief that cultural identity, wellbeing and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Supported by a vibrant program of educational activities and community events. People will learn about the significance of the Cornish hedge, discover new walking trails and gain insights into local legends that have shaped the region’s character.
Drolla will be freely accessible to all. Visitors can take a seat, breathe in the fresh air and rediscover the simple pleasures of hearing a bird’s song or feeling the breeze in the trees. For families, special children’s activity sheets will encourage curiosity and observation, helping younger generations appreciate the landscape around them.
Images
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“My breath is the wind that whips your face and cradles the kestrel”. A beautiful saying, you can really feel attached to such a saying which I feel like sums up the Cornish people and way of life
Alex and Holly
Support Us
But we need your help…
Aims – Goals & Objectives
Connect people to nature and heritage through the arts and culture.
Support the current cultural sectors of creative arts, performance and media that celebrate and enhance the character of the protected landscape.
Support the celebration of the cultural distinctiveness of the protected landscape.
Promote the cultural importance such as the benefits to people, place, nature, and climate of the Cornish Hedge as a heritage asset.
Utilise the beauty of Cornwall National Landscape as a tool to inspire people to explore Cornwall National Landscape for health, leisure, and recreation.
Raise awareness of the 12 Sections of Cornwall National Landscape among its local communities and beyond the boundaries.
Encourage a wider range of people to use Cornwall National Landscape and seascape for health and wellbeing benefits, within and outside Cornwall National Landscape
Specifically targeting areas in Cornwall National Landscape with the capacity and infrastructure to accommodate recreational activity and not those areas particularly sensitive to disturbance.
Here are just a few highlights of what you’ll see, we’ll leave you to find the rest…The front of the bench features a map of Cornwall showing the 12 sections of Cornwall National Landscape. Can you find the section closest to you? Turn the cog to find it’s Cornish name.
On the sides you will discover “arvor”, the coast, and “goon”, the moor. Journey to the back of the bench to find the Cornish Hedge, how many creatures can you spot?
These activity sheets were commissioned by Cornwall National Landscape’s Monumental Improvement Project, made possible with generous support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and our other funders- Cornwall Council, Historic England, Cornwall Heritage Trust, The National Trust. Artwork produced by Alexandra Fowler of Cornish Books
Making Drolla – The Storytelling Bench
Lining the drawings onto copper plate
We commissioned Gary and Thomas Thrussell to create this treasure trove bench depicting the rich vibrant history and culture of Cornwall National Landscape. It is constructed from beaten copper, galvanised steel and Cornish Oak
Making Drolla – The Storytelling Bench
Copper panels ready for beating relief
They said, “We created this bench in our workshop at Colquite Farm located in the heart of Bodmin Moor. The bench for us is filled with stories of connections and hidden meanings that is part of everyday life in Cornwall. We hope anyone that sits on this bench feels an even greater connection with Cornwall and its Celtic landscape and inspiring and strengthening their own connection with Cornwall helping to keep the Cornish magic alive.”
Making Drolla – The Storytelling Bench
Tools of the trade
Working with Gary and Thomas Thrussell (our creators) was a wonderful experience filled with inspiration and magic, to produce the production of a piece of art, that will hopefully create a sense of wonder, inspiration and joy!