Tiny sculptures leave clues to region's past

Tiny detailed images depicting the industrial past and lives of families in a Black Country town have been etched onto sculptured leaves on a 15ft metal tree.

The steel structure has been attracting admiring glances from walkers after being created inside Victoria Park in Darlaston.

Already more than 20 specially crafted leaves have been produced by Blacksmith Lofty Wright and added to the tree. There will be 45 in total when completed.

Each leaf has been designed through ideas from residents in Darlaston and range from vegetables to represent allotments to a washing machine for the old Servis company. Another depicts a bicycle in honour of Comrade Cycles, which were made from a factory in The Leys, in between Alma Street and Stafford Road.

Bostin Arts was commissioned for the £20,000 project involving Walsall Council and the Darlaston Town Centre Events Committee. Community artist Sam Hale and sculptor Karl Lewis make up Bostin Arts and sought the ideas of hundreds of people across Darlaston.

Pubs, clubs, the library and even blood donor sessions were attended to ask residents of their memories and thoughts of the town. Pupils from St Joseph's, Rough Hay, Pinfold Street, Old Church and Moorcroft Wood primaries were then asked to come up with drawings. From these the idea to create a tree with individual leaves was born.

Images on the leaves also include the likes of nuts and bolts to represent the industrial past and football to depict sport.

Sam, aged 45, said: "It has been fascinating to hear all the stories."