The Lamport Hall Preservation Trust Bursary Award - Kingfisher Waterfall
by Joel Walker
I was honoured to receive the Lamport Hall Preservation Trust and Northants & Rutland Open Studios (NROS) Bursary Award. The bursary supported the creation of Kingfisher Waterfall, a bronze sculpture inspired by British wildlife. Through the project I worked with specialist foundry and patination experts, developing new skills and techniques to create a dynamic sculpture that captures the movement, beauty and vibrant colour of kingfishers.
About this Collection
The bursary supported the creation of *Kingfisher Waterfall*, a bronze sculpture inspired by one of Britain's most striking native birds. As a wildlife sculptor, I am always fascinated by the character, movement and behaviour of animals, and the kingfisher's vivid colours and remarkable speed presented an exciting artistic challenge. Through the award, I was able to work closely with specialist foundry craftsmen and expert patinators, gaining valuable experience in traditional bronze casting and advanced patination techniques.
More images and background at https://sculptressjoel.co.uk/award-winning-sculpture-of-kingfishers/Kingfisher Waterfall Lamport Hall Preservation Trust Bursary Award winner
This collaboration allowed me to explore new approaches to surface colour and texture, helping me recreate the iridescent beauty associated with kingfishers while maintaining the permanence and integrity of bronze. The finished sculpture depicts kingfishers interacting above a flowing waterfall, bringing together movement, energy and the natural world in a single composition. The project deepened my understanding of both the technical and artistic possibilities of bronze sculpture and strengthened my commitment to preserving traditional sculptural skills.
I am extremely grateful to the Lamport Hall Preservation Trust and NROS for their support. The bursary provided not only financial assistance but also an opportunity for professional development, creative exploration and the creation of a significant new work. *Kingfisher Waterfall* is a special sculpture in my portfolio, representing a milestone in my artistic journey and a celebration of Britain's wildlife and heritage craftsmanship. You can see the sculpture at Lamport Central Exhibition in September 2026. For more on this project and the details of the process https://animalsculpture.co.uk/the-lamport-hall-bursary-award-kingfisher-waterfall/