From 21 June 2025, Wooden Boulder, a film by David Nash in the collection of the Derek Williams Trust will go on display at Newport Museum & Art Gallery.
Wooden Boulder is a spherical shape cut from a fallen tree. Carved where the tree fell in the Ffestiniog Valley in 1978, Nash intended initially to transport the sculpture to his studio, but it proved too heavy and hazardous to move. Instead, he 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.
In 2012, the Derek Williams acquired the film, as well as a bronze maquette of the boulder, and a series of prints charting its journey. The film is at Newport Museum and Art Gallery until 13 September 2025 as part of CELF: National Contemporary Art Gallery Wales.
Image: David Nash, Wooden Boulder at this location in the stream from 1990 – 1994, ⓒ David Nash
