I went to Warwick University’s Sculpture Trail and found a quirky way to spend an afternoon
Warwick University is not the first destination that would spring to mind for an afternoon out. With parks, country houses, canal walks, and all manner of museums available around Coventry, the university would be quite far down the list.
But give it a chance because the sculpture walk around the campus is a bit of a hidden surprise. The trail consists of 24 sculptures and while some are in the far flung parts of the University, over half of them are located in close proximity to the central campus.
The University’s website has a variety of trails on offer for visitors, including some trails around the sculptures. With the site open all day, everyday, to everyone, the University said of the walks that “even a small amount of physical activity, such as a 10-minute brisk walk, can increase energy levels, boost mood and help interrupt circular thoughts.
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“You can start small, just find one sculpture or explore one area of campus. Or spend the day and ramble around our gardens, alongside our lakes, through our woodland.”
The first thing to note is that the campus is a really nice place to be and the sculptures give you a reason to spend time there. With modifications to their roading network, this coupled with the many parks and quadrants makes it a very pedestrian friendly environment.
Whilst it doesn’t have the ancient buildings or throngs of tourists that this nation’s older tertiary institutions might, that in itself means a walk looking at the sculptures is a very peaceful endeavour. It takes the pressure off knowing you aren’t competing with a coach load of tourists desperate for photos on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the UK.
The sculptures are also easily appreciated. You don’t have to be an art critic to enjoy the abstract shapes and imagery of the ones spread out around the campus.
The latest one by Turner Prize winning artist Veronica Ryan, is of a breadfruit and while it is a small sculpture, it’s quite interesting to walk along a pavement and stumble upon an interpretation of fresh fruit in sculpture form. Certainly, most town centres wouldn’t have something like this.
Maps and guides are available to download, including an audio tour. And many of the sculptures are interactive, meaning you can climb or walk on them to your heart’s content (unless signs say otherwise.)
So if you’re still looking for something new to try around Coventry, the Sculpture Trail just might be it. Not only does it put a unique spin on an afternoon’s walk in the sun, but it gives an excuse to explore Warwick University’s fabulous campus.