In 2020, a century-old and diseased sequoia, located at the entrance to the Roi-René park in Saint-Macaire-en-Mauges (Maine-et-Loire), had to be cut down for safety reasons. “This park was originally a pleasure garden designed by local industrialist René Viaud,” recalls Chantal Gourdon, deputy mayor.
The tree stump, however, was preserved at a height of two metres. “A technical agent suggested that it become a natural base. From there came the idea of installing a work of art there,” explains Claire Baubry, elected representative of Sèvremoine in charge of heritage.
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“Bring back life”
His colleague in culture, Christian Rousselot, retraces the choice of sculpture: “We launched a call for projects. Of the two proposals, we selected Christophe Batardière’s for its aesthetics and its evocation of nature, both fragile and resplendent.”
The artist, based in Montjean-sur-Loire (Mauges-sur-Loire), is known for his works of metal animals, several of which already adorn the banks of the Loire. This is the first time he has made a sculpture with a plant aesthetic: “The stump spontaneously inspired me by taking up branches. The flowers represent spring on this stump which is dead, it is bringing life back to this tree which has lived well.”
Stems, dressed with eleven steel or stainless steel corollas, emerge from the 1.70 m diameter stump. The highest peaks at 5 m from the ground. The sculpture was transported in different elements, and the artist assembled it on site on Monday, September 16, giving the first look to the day’s walkers. At the entrance, it is visible from the street.
A popular park
This is the first public work of art in Saint-Macaire-en-Mauges. An invitation to rediscover this park, appreciated by childminders for its location and privacy. A bowling green welcomes many players in the summer months. Other developments have recently been installed: new benches, picnic table, sensory trail and outdoor games for the youngest.
There remain from the original garden wanted by the industrialist beautiful trees, some rare: cedars, sequoias, bald cypress, Japanese persimmon, etc. This garden in the heart of the town, calm and always shaded in summer, brings joy to many regulars of the neighborhood to teach children to ride a bike, walk their dog and come and eat there in fine weather.
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