Land of the Bigs

Bubbling brooks blooming with brown trout. Mountain pathways, heavy with primrose, enticing the curious towards vantage points high above mist-filled valleys. Ancient villages, swarming with plump-cheeked villagers, beckoning wandering souls with a swarthy assortment of relishes, chutneys, and hand-knitted goods at reasonable prices.

The Lake District of Northwest England is one of the most spectacular settings on Earth, and provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend away with a loved one, sipping succulent coffee and creating lifelong memories.

But who really cares about any of that – we’re here for the Big Things!

Entrust, a giant set of hands carved out of wood, can be found a few kilometres south of Keswick. They were created by local lad John Merrill, and installed by the embankment of picturesque Derwentwater in 2002.

“I made this sculpture to mark the centenary of Brandelhow Park,” John told a clearly-excited reporter, who really seemed to have her finger on the pulse. “We carved this about about a quarter of a mile down the lakeshore. It’s just such a surprise in this location. It’s a little bit surreal – a little bit Alice in Wonderland.”

Well, John, I did feel a bit like Tweedlethumb whilst laying abreast your creation!

“It’s exciting,” John continued, whilst gesticulating dramatically, “to see how something you’ve made carries on in an ongoing legacy.”

Babe, that’s exactly how I feel about Land of the Bigs!

John’s had the whole world in his hands

Whilst many Bigs are designed to be venerated from a safe and respectable distance, John is more than slappy for Entrust to be a hands-on exhibit.

“What I find interesting is that as soon as people see them, then what they’ve got to do is climb into them and sit inside them,” he explained in his ever-punchy baritone. “I’ve seen dogs sat in there! It becomes really special for that reason.”

Well, if it’s good enough for a puppy, it’s good enough for the inimitable Bigs Bardot!

Thumb-fortunately, the ever-hands-ome Endure has been palmed off to an indi-pinkie-shable area of the park, but if you knuckle down I’m sure you’ll nail them down. Teehee, I’m not sure if I got every hand-related pun in there, but I made a good fist of it!