Wooden Boulder

Newport Museum and Art Gallery is delighted to present Wooden Boulder, a film by David Nash from 21 June to 13 September 2025.

The Wooden Boulder is a spherical shape cut from a fallen tree. Carved where the tree fell in the Ffestiniog Valley in 1978, David Nash initially intended to transport the sculpture to his studio, but it proved too heavy and hazardous to move. Instead, Nash rolled it in to a nearby stream hoping it would be swept down the valley. It became wedged and initial disappointment soon turned into an intriguing opportunity as the water began to darken the wood, turning the sculpture into what looked like a boulder.

Nash returned frequently to document the boulder using film, photography, sculpture and drawing until stormwater pushed it on. He followed the boulder’s journey and its engagement with the weather and seasons for decades.

The work is on long term loan to Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales from the Derek Williams Trust and is shown at Newport Museum and Art Gallery as part of CELF: National Contemporary Art Gallery Wales.

Image: David Nash, Y Clogfaen Pren yn Afon Dwyryd, Rhagfyr 2014 / Wooden Boulder in RIver Dwyryd, December 2013, delwedd / image ⓒ David Nash