2022 Sandringham Cup Winner

simon o'rourke standing next to 2022 sandringham cup winner, 'Ascension'. She is a 9' tall ethereal female form, thinly veiled and looking upwards, ascending yet held back slightly by her veil. There is lots of sawdust and a gazebo in the background as she is freshly carved. Simon is holding his prize cup

The May bank holiday weekend marked a return to competitive carving for Simon after a four-year break. And he didn’t just compete! His sculpture ‘Ascension’ was spectacular and he earned the title of 2022 Sandringham Cup winner.     Sandringham Cup Before talking about the sculpture that made Simon the 2022 Sandringham Cup winner, what … Read more

Love Leading the Pilgrim Sculpture

close up of the angel's head and shoulders from Simon O'Rourke's Love Leading the Pilgrim Sculpture

This week Simon installed his Love Leading the Pilgrim sculpture at Biddulph Old Hall. It’s been popular on social media, so we wanted to share more about the sculpture and the story behind it. It’s fascinating! A big thank you to client Brian Vowles for his input on the blog this week.     Meet … Read more

Crohn’s Inspired Sculpture

crohn's inspired sculpture of a man with head in hands reflecting despair

Next week is Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week in the UK (1st – 7th Dec 2021). Their theme is ‘Your Story Matters’ and Crohn’s and Colitis UK are encouraging everyone to share their story; patients, carers, supporters, nurses – anyone with a connection. Back in 2017, Simon created a Crohn’s inspired sculpture for an award-winning … Read more

WWII Soldier Memorial Sculpture

Head and shoulders of o'Rourke's chainsaw carving sculpture of a WWII soldier

As the country silences itself at 11am today, Workington has a new WWII soldier memorial sculpture to commemorate those who gave their lives in military service. The unveiling took place on Poppy Day, as you may have seen on BBC or ITV. Simon and Liz were also there today (Remembrance Sunday) to see the sculpture … Read more

How The Prestatyn Walker Sculpture Could Help Rejuvenate a Town

the prestatyn walker sculptures with bushes in the background

We’ve blogged before about the power of a sculpture to increase tourism and revenue. Friends of Prestatyn Railway Station had the same thought when they commissioned the Prestatyn Walker sculpture. This week’s blog shares the story behind that sculpture…   Prestatyn Walker Sculpture Story: Walkers Are Welcome Prestatyn was the first town in Wales to … Read more