New sculpture for Petwood Hotel grounds

In what has been an incredibly emotional few days, it seems only right that we end the week with some news about a beautiful new wooden sculpture in our gardens here at the hotel.

Installed this morning in our memorial garden, this beautiful work of art is entitled “Lookout”. It was hand carved from Petwood oak and depicts an airman looking skyward; perhaps reminiscent of those waiting for colleagues and loved ones to return, perhaps reflective of those witnessing BBMF flypasts and the activity of today’s RAF. We hope that this statue strikes connections to all our guests in their own personal way.

It was designed and carved by the hugely talented Nigel Sardeson who also created the wonderful Pan statue in our gardens. You may recognise Nigel’s work from the wooden sculptures along the Spa Trail between Woodhall Spa and Horncastle. The work has taken a number of months to complete and is a wonderful tribute to the brave men and women of Bomber Command who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom.  

The photos below show the carving being installed this morning along with sculptor Nigel, his brother Mark and Petwood Managing Director Emma.

We were deeply saddened to learn this week of the passing of our dear friends Air Commodore Charles Clarke and Dr Mary Stopes-Roe, daughter of Sir Barnes Wallis. The hotel’s RAF ensign is currently flying at half-mast in memory of Charles and Mary and will do so for the next few days. Our airman was designed with remembrance in mind and he is helping us to do this.

We will remember.