A GIFTED artist has created a collection of sculptural urns for a new remembrance garden.

Joanne Risley was commissioned by Birches Crematorium and Remembrance Park, which only opened in May and is set in six acres of Cheshire countryside in Lach Dennis.

Northwich Guardian:

The sculptures are now in place at the memorial garden

The Knutsford sculptor has spent months designing the unique pieces at her studio in Northwich.

"The brief was to create sculptural forms inspired by seed pods as remembrance pieces rooted in nature to nestle comfortably within an organic space and be designed to contain an urn within a hidden cavity," said Joanne, 55, a former pupil at Knutsford High School.

Northwich Guardian:

Each unique piece was inspired by seed pods

"The crematorium is trying to provide a very different and personal service and these memorials are part of this focus. Ashes will be placed inside the base of these vessels. The sculptures will be available to purchase or lease. There is a space underneath to take a remembrance plaque."

Northwich Guardian:

The sculptures are available to buy or lease

The sculptures are made from Cor-ten steel sections which were laser cut at EWL UK Limited, a studio where Joanne works with husband Barry Callaghan, who is also an sculptor.

Northwich Guardian:

Joanne Risley welding one of the sculptures

The couple met at The University of Belfast whilst Joanne was studying for her Masters, after gaining a fine art degree at the College of Art in Dundee.

Their son, Finbar, 15, is a pupil at St Nicholas Catholic High School in Northwich.

"Cor-ten steel has a unique property which allows it to form a rusty patina on its surface whilst resisting erosion beyond, making it ideal for outdoor structures and sculptures," said Joanne, whose family comes from Middlewich. Her parents Gill and Ian Risley met in Winsford.

"The urns to go inside the artworks have been handmade from stainless steel."

Northwich Guardian:

Each memorial piece has its own little garden

Families have already expressed an interest in laying the ashes of their loved ones to rest inside one of the urns.

Relatives can commission a special sculpture of their own choice as part of the collection.

"Each memorial piece has its own little garden," said Joanne, who is a member of the Manchester Academy of Fine Art. "Families will be able to have a say in how it is planted."

The gardens at Birches feature sympathetic and private planting and walkways for families to spend time during and after farewell ceremonies and also space to sit and reflect.