A FALMOUTH sculptor will take the power and drama of the Cornish coastline into the Wedgwood Garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Ben Barrell is in the final stages of crafting a 2.1metre tall bronze wave, named Poldhu Point, in readiness for the show from May 21-25.

The striking structure, which references the Cornish coastline with its dramatic waves, will "spray" up between arches on the pavilion-lined Wedgwood Garden.

The wave sculpture stands above a pool with five of Ben’s carved Purbeck stepping stones and a large walk-on frieze, allowing visitors to stand surrounded by water in the garden.

These rippled surfaces represent the passage of time, with the eroded friezes appearing sculpted by flowing water over the years.

Water is used in the garden by designer Jo Thompson, recognising its importance in contributing to Wedgwood’s success by transporting the iconic porcelain across the globe.

Jo’s watercourse flows through multiple levels, unifying and delineating differing areas. Her trickling stream connects key elements and echoes the canals and waterways of Staffordshire that were so fundamental to Wedgwood’s production and transformation into an international industry.

Ben said: “Jo wanted to reference the pivotal role that water played in the success of Wedgwood’s factories and its transformation from a national into an international success. As a central theme to the garden, the water that my sculptures characterise are individually dynamic or gentle but equally powerful. The wave also relates to the human form, as I’ve deliberately linked the proportions to a figure to bring the element of human connection to nature.

“This garden is a fantastic demonstration of how sculpture can bring beauty and functionality – the stepping stones will allow visitors to walk onto works of art as they move across the pool and immerse themselves in the beauty of water as well as gaining a unique perspective of the garden.”

The Wedgwood Garden marks its 260th anniversary and reflects the entrepreneurial, innovative and creative spirit of Josiah Wedgwood (1730-1795).

Wedgwood’s influence extends into fashion with long standing collaborations with world-renowned designers Vera Wang and Jasper Conran.

Today the legacy of Josiah remains, as Wedgwood continues to make a lasting impact on people’s quality of life making the everyday extraordinary by creating moments that enrich people’s lives.