Roath Mill Gardens
Artwork for Roath Mill Gardens

The historically significant and much-loved Roath Mill Gardens in Penylan, Cardiff have recently undergone a programme of work as part of Natural Resources Wales’ ‘Roath Brook Flood Risk Management Scheme’. The integration of public art into Roath Mill Gardens is seen as one of the scheme’s wider community benefits and is also part of Natural Resources Wales’ commitment to meeting the goals of the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act.

The commission set out to recognise and respond to the Gardens’ historic and environmental context, contribute to local placemaking and the Garden’s sense of identity, and also celebrate the fondness which the local community has for this green space at its heart. Rubin Eynon’s sculpture is a bronze scale model of the mill that stood on the site and from which the Gardens took their name.

Following the installation of the artwork, Studio Response devised and delivered a schools engagement day that focused on the significance of the artwork and the wider scheme itself. The event brought together a range of cross-sector partners that had been involved in the project. Sian Burt, Deputy Headteacher of Howardian Primary School which attended the day said "thanks so much for inviting us along to the Gardens. Feedback from staff was that it went really well and that the children were really engaged with the session and enjoyed the experience very much."

Studio Response also devised a resource pack for the schools for future use.