Local Artist Christopher Jarratt began exhibiting his Hopes/Fears sculpture in Ecclesall Woods last week to begin Sheffield’s Festival of the Outdoors. 

Sheffield’s Festival of the Outdoors takes place over the month, with events including exhibitions, outdoor markets and a climbing festival. 

The Hopes/Fears sculpture, which spins according to the changing strength of wind, is intended to demonstrate the conflicting emotions we feel as humans. 

Mr Jarratt said: “How the wind changes from gusts of wind to a horrible rainy day into a calm day, it’s not dissimilar to how we feel as humans.”

Mr Jarratt said the sculpture also highlights the ongoing issues in woodlands, such as the problems with ash dieback and struggling native timber species. 

The local artist has had many other successes, with exhibitions shown regionally and internationally. He is renowned for his sustainable, storytelling artwork, which often encourages viewers to explore their imagination. 

The exhibition is located next to the discovery centre in Ecclesall Woods, a popular area for walkers. 

The festival takes place every March in Sheffield, and showcases the city’s environmental and sustainable commitments.

Mr Jarratt said about the festival: “I think it’s a good celebration to highlight what Sheffield has to offer. It’s a big city and so well placed within the country with the peak district next door.”

“I think the more we can highlight all the amazing assets Sheffield has and get more people to know that it’s for them, that they can access it, is always a bonus.”

The exhibition is available from the 29th February to the 31st March. Alongside the sculpture Mr Jarratt has released 30 limited edition Hopes/Fears T-shirts available on his website Christopher Jarratt.

For more information on the upcoming events for the Festival of the Outdoors, visit welcometosheffield.co.uk or visit their social media pages.