During this season of remembrance, Tredegar House in Newport commemorates the 170th anniversary of the Charge of the Light Brigade with a powerful tribute. I was honored when Tredegar House, now cared for by National Trust Cymru, approached me to create a willow sculpture of Sir Briggs, the brave charger who carried his owner, Godfrey Morgan, safely home from that fateful charge. This 15 hands high willow horse, enveloped with over 4,000 hand-made poppies, symbolizes courage, sacrifice, and the military heritage of the Morgans, one of Wales’s most storied families.
The sculpture, draped in a cascade of vibrant poppies crafted by the ‘Make Do and Mend’ volunteers, Tredegar House staff, local community members, and visitors, took over 200 hours to complete. The poppies reflect our collective dedication, honoring the courage of those who served. Unveiled in the historic 17th-century stable block, the event was attended by Robert Talbot Rice CBE, a descendant of Godfrey Morgan’s sister, the Viscountess of Hereford, adding a deeply personal connection to this remembrance.
Lizzie Smith-Jones, General Manager of National Trust Cymru’s South East Wales Portfolio, shared, ‘Remembrance at Tredegar House is a meaningful way for us to honor the courage of Godfrey Morgan and his horse, Sir Briggs.’ This artistic tribute now stands as a poignant reminder of the bravery of all who have served.