A 10-foot wizard sculpture has been created from a diseased 80-foot Redwood tree in Alderley Edge. Chainsaw wood sculptor Andy Burgess carved the piece for a private garden, incorporating various woodland creatures into the design. The sculpture was inspired by the local legend of the Wizard of Alderley Edge, which tells the story of a farmer who encountered a wizard guarding sleeping knights in underground caves.
The project was technically challenging, requiring careful construction using logs arranged vertically and secured with a forklift. Andy worked with the property owners to achieve a rustic look that will naturally weather into the woodland setting. The sculptor, who is self-taught, is now booked with commissions through to 2025, including projects for the Chelsea Flower Show and RHS Flower Show at Wentworth Woodhouse.