Recycled art and commissions
“We consider the impact on the environment when making all our work. Creating giant structures from sustainable, reclaimed and repurposed materials is something we do.”
Small World Theatre has a proven track record of creating exciting, stimulating commissions and public art. We make articulated sculptures, automata and giant lanterns using a mind boggling range of recycled, repurposed and found materials.
Sometimes our work is site-specific, other times it is purpose built for touring. Despite using recycled materials, these structures are permanent or semi-permanent, and often find themselves being dismantled and re-used in future projects.
We welcome discussing ideas and budgets, because we know collaboration is the key to success. Here are some recent examples of making an impact in communities.
Y Ffenics
Senedd Neuadd
29 July – 7 September
We created a beautiful, giant sculpture of a phoenix for Senedd Cymru at the start of the summer. Visitors to the Senedd are invited to make their own phoenix feather to attach to the bird over the holiday.
Made of sustainable, reclaimed and repurposed materials, the striking phoenix sculpture stands proudly in the Senedd’s windows and is to form the backdrop for live music on the Senedd steps at this year’s Butetown Carnival.
27 August, 2pm - 4pm
Join us as we create fabulous feature feathers for the phoenix to complete the sculpture on the opening day of the carnival. We are running a drop-in workshop, so there's no pre-booking required.
Suitable for children aged 6+ who must be accompanied by an adult throughout. This activity is great for families and small groups who like to work together.
FfABL
Small World Theatre, Wired Wood and Cardigan Castle thrilled visitors in December 2022 with an unique light and lantern sculpture trail in the grounds of the Castle. FfABL captured the wonderment of Christmas whilst visitors meandered through winter stories and Welsh mythology. Many of the sculptures were inspired by the tales from the Mabinogion. This was a self-initiated project with support from Cardigan Town Council.
What people said
“We went last night and it was truly stunning. The art and creativity was beautiful. Absolutely perfect. THE best light trail around!”
“Ffabulous display!”
“Oh my!! It was magical. Diolch Theatr Byd Bychan unwaith eto am ddod a hud i’r bud!!”
— social media
I’m a Celebrity Too
I’M A CELEBRITY fever in North Wales 2020 - 2021 was an opportunity for Small World to create recycled artwork. The ‘I’m A Celebrity Too’ art trail was curated by Oriel Colwyn with support from Conwy Arts Trust, Cartrefi Conwy and Abergele Town Council.
The first sculptures were a grasshopper, acorn weevil and a stag beetle - chosen to represent the conservation of the rich biodiversity in the area. Last year they were joined by a rat and a spider. These creature are also an important part of our ecosystem and continue to bring smiles to the town.
Photos above: thanks to Paul Sampson, Oriel Colwyn
What people said
“Amazing… yet terrifying!”
“We are proud of our town and the insects are a great addition to I’m A Celebrity fever in Abergele!”
— social media
Imagine Sculpture Trail
Art trail for Colwyn Bay. The Imagine Sculpture Trail is part of the Imagine Colwyn Bay Heritage Fund Great Place Scheme. The project aimed to involve young people in creating playful and engaging public art with strong locally based environmental and heritage themes.
Led by Imagine Colwyn Bay and in partnership with the Bay of Colwyn Town Council’s In Bloom Committee, the project is funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Gwynt y Môr Windfarm Fund.
The sculptures are sited around the town and leading to the beach. Some of these are in the photographs and include the cormorant, ‘Nancy’Women’s Land Army, ‘Lady Penelope’ Octopus Ice Cream, Pollinator Arch, Ivy Street, Seagulls, Jack the Fisher Dog. Each sculpture is described in the Imagine Colwyn Bay App accompanying the trail.
2021-2022
What people said
“We ran a competition to name the Octopus. The winner of the draw was one of our customers called Rose who called her Lady Penelope. Everyone absolutely loves the name and she has had so much attention. We have all been explaining how she was created and where all the others are located. Thank you so much for choosing us to display her and to everyone who helped to bring it all together. I still find her absolutely amazing she is so beautiful. I think she must be the most photographed landmark in Colwyn bay.”