Shimmering sculpture lands at wetland centre
Architects’ creation is centrepiece of Dragonflies Festival. Tony Henderson reports.
Architects let their imaginations take flight to help a nature site celebrate the shimmering world of dragonflies.
Iridescence, by Tony Broomhead and Nicky Kirk, installed on a reservoir at WWT Washington Wetland Centre, combines iridescent floating sculptures, composed of wing-like forms that mimic the beating rhythm of dragonfly wings.
The installation was selected as the winning commission from an open call by WWT, the Wearside charity for wetlands and wildlife, which sought artistic proposals inspired by the beauty of dragonflies which live in wetlands.
WWT Washington is home to 20 species of dragonflies and damselflies during the summer, and the new installation is a highlight of this summer’s inaugural WWT Dragonfly Festival, running until September 22.
It also forms part of the centre’s 50th birthday celebrations.
As visitors move past the installation, the iridescent wings will capture the light and vibrate with the natural movement of the wind, with audio created by artists Tony and Nicky adding to the experience.
Tony said: “We are thrilled to have worked with WWT on this installation. It’s tailored to the unique characteristics of WWT Washington; a post-industrial setting that reveals nature’s ability to reclaim and transform.
“It has given us a powerful and distinct context for exploring the dragonfly’s adaptability and its role in vital wetland ecosystems.
“Both Nicky and I have long been captivated by dragonflies – nature’s aerial acrobats – whose shimmering wings and delicate presence embody transformation, balance, and resilience. Iridescence is our response to their quiet power and is an installation that captures their magic in a wetland setting.
“Through this installation, we hope to inspire connection, awareness, and conservation through a shared experience that speaks to the wonder of nature and the urgency of protecting it.”
The sculpture has been assembled and installed by the nature site’s neighbour, metal fabrication and manufacturing company MorFabrication Ltd.
David Morland, managing director at Morfab, said: “It’s been a pleasure to be invited to support the art installation and commissioning of Iridescence.
“As someone who supports our local WWT site in Washington and takes my young family regularly, it’s a place that we love to visit and enjoy, along with many of the Morfab team.
“From start to finish we’ve been working around the clock behind the scenes to complete the installation, and we hope we’ve managed to portray Tony and Nicky's vision to show the beauty in dragonflies.”
Centre manager Gill Pipes said: “This commission was an opportunity to draw attention to the often-overlooked beauty and fragility of dragonflies and the environment they inhabit. It brings them into the light beautifully.
“Millions of visitors have enjoyed visiting WWT Washington Wetland Centre since it opened 50 years ago. We’re all about the local community, and our centre is designed to bring visitors closer to nature, and this new installation is another way to experience the superpowers of wetlands. We hope it will create further moments of pause and reflection during our Dragonfly Festival.”
An official unveiling day is planned on Wednesday, July 23, where both architect-artists will deliver a creative workshop alongside poet Roisin Crowley Linton with local community groups.
The festival line-up includes walking dragonfly safaris, pond dipping, craft workshops, dragonfly spotting challenges and giant outdoor dragonfly-themed games. Headline acts include dragonfly-themed stilt walkers, bubbleologists and face painters during family fun days, plus there’s a special silent disco weekend.
For more information visit the Wetland Centre website.