Andrew Logan is an acclaimed sculptor and a leading visionary in British art. Currently settled in the heart of the country in the village of Berriew, Logan’s Museum of Sculpture is a community treasure holding some of the most eccentric and unique designs.
In the run up to the museum’s 25th anniversary celebrations, Ffion Riordan-Jones finds out what inspires him and what can be expected on the bank holiday weekend, with Brian Eno composing a bell ringer performance.
How would you describe yourself and what you do?
I describe myself as a sculptor. I always say sculptor, my life is an artistic adventure.
Why did you set up your museum in Wales?
We had friends here at that time and we used to come at visit in the 70s when we were based in London. It would take a day to get from London to Berriew as there were no motorways so you used to have to go cross-country. I will never forget those drives. One of our little pastimes we had was going to check out properties when they were just a few hundred pounds.
I suppose it was in the 80s when I had this dream of opening a museum, my work is a celebration of the joy of life and I felt like it was important to share. I never really make plans in my life, just let one thing lead to another.
Can you believe that it has been 25 years since the opening?
Yes! 25 years!
Tell us about what’s in store for the 25th anniversary.
On Friday night, we have Art in the Pews of the local church which has always been great. We have 20 local artists coming to show their work, it’s very rare you have a place for local artists to do so. On the Saturday, we have the Andrew Logan travelling museum, which is a little caravan to the showground, where we do workshops. Sunday is the main day, where we have The School of Noise which is an experimental sound workshop through the day, who were recommended to us by Jarvis Cocker.
We have our Afternoon Tea and Treasure Hunt, and at 6:00, we have the reopening of the museum where guests such as artists and politicians come along. And here, we will have a jewelry performance that involves local people, men, women, children. There are no barriers.
At the local community centre we have Sir Dancealot Ceilidth, which I always love as it involves everyone. It’s where everyone joins hands and dances together, I’m a bit old school. It’s only in recent times we wiggle and jiggle alone. Everyone will be exhausted by then.
Could you tell us about Brian Eno’s input into the event?
My friend Brian Eno, who I have collaborated with for many projects, has written a composition for the church bells for the local bell ringers. The music will be playing around the village behind trees and hedges, where the bell ringers can join throughout the day. It is like a bit of a world premiere of Brain’s music. I will be decorating everything with silver bows, for the 25th jubilee!
Aside from his sculptures, Logan is the creative force behind the world renowned event ‘Alternative Miss World’, a beauty pageant that celebrates contestants of any gender. The events are extravagant soirees that unite the unique and wonderful.
What does ‘Alternative Miss World’ mean to you?
It all started in 1972 in my studio in London, which was a converted jigsaw factory. I describe it as a serial art event for all round family entertainment. The weekend is very much organised chaos, in the spirit of the moment that captures the imagination. We’ve just had our 13th event at Shakespeare’s Globe and they would like us back in September 2018. I create all the alternative crown jewels. Our recent winner from Moscow is Miss Zero+, Sasha Forlova, who is a sculpturalist who works with inflatables.
2016 has been an eventful year in terms of iconic figures passing and the change in the political landscape, do you feel that this will inspire or affect your work in any way?
I believe that my life has a path. I have seen many movements come and go; many politicians come and go but I stay on my path. We have a life here on this earth, what is the point of killing each other or doing all these awful things? I believe that the best thing to do is to all get together and have fun! It’s idealistic I know, but it’ll make the world a much happier place.
Since the opening of the museum, what has been your greatest achievement?
I’m so blessed. When people ask that question, I have to say that I am my own biggest fan in as much as I love all the pieces I have made. I feel very privileged to have been brought into this world to create this work. I’d love to have a chain of museums. It has always been a dream to open a museum in every continent.
What does the future hold for you?
I just hope I can carry on working as an artist. As long as I have my health and can make things that would be wonderful.
If you want to join in with the 25th anniversary celebrations this bank holiday weekend, take a look at http://andrewloganmuseum.org/events for more information.