LOVERS of art should head down to Stroud’s new canal at Capel’s Mill where three new sculptures can be seen emerging from the water.

The three pieces of art have been created by London-based artists, and are on show as part of the annual Stroud Site Festival.

Each piece has been designed to blend in with the canal itself.

Rob Chavasse has produced a painted steel framework representing a cross-section of water, Lewis Teague-Wright’s wavey-edge and routed timber planks jut vertically from the water while Ben Sansbury’s eight foot wooden framework has a subtle lifelike quality.

Lewis, who organised the display, said: “I was inspired by this fantastic location, which has so many materials and colours.

“It is such a historic place, so it’s quite challenging.

“The opportunity to put sculptures in the canal was really exciting and we have appreciated the total support and encouragement we have had from Stroud District Council’s canal team.”

Dave Marshall, district council canal partnership manager, said: “This superb display underlines the far-reaching effects of canal restoration.

“I hope that people will take the time to come and have a look and maybe explore some of the canal at the same time.”

A fourth sculpture, designed by Sam Freeman, is currently being fabricated by Pangolin Editions in Chalford.

It will be joining the first three in situ in the canal at the end of the month.