The Melt: Anthony Garratt
July 2025
Edited by: Tom Cronk
If you go down to the lake today, you're sure of a big surprise.
Roughly 250 guests have seen, and swam around, our icebergs at Summer Camp, as they float serenely between the lily pads. And a few thousand more have watched a quick video we posted about their launch a couple of weeks ago.
But I suspect most of you are intrigued about what on earth I'm talking about. So here's the story of how the icebergs got here, and why they are important.
The Melt. 2025.
The Melt is a public art project by Anthony Garratt, who believes that the action of painting can build an emotional response to unfamiliar* landscapes.
In short, this is a tangible object of real quality in a remarkable location.
The result of Anthony's work will stop you in your tracks, challenge you and encourage conversation; something endless beautiful artworks and landscapes can't quite grasp when beaming onto our eyes from our phones.
The Melt floats giant, double-sided paintings of Arctic icebergs on reclaimed yacht sails on swinging moorings during the summer months in temperate locations. And, this year, the paintings have appeared on our lake at the heart of Hawarden Estate during Summer Camp.
Anthony's reference footage for his 2025 project was sent by the inspirational, modern day Arctic explorer Ella Hibbert during her extraordinary Arctic circumnavigation attempt.
I encourage you to follow Ella's progress here.
"The project is a poetic nod to the demise of these geographical marvels and also a tribute to the spirit of modern exploration.
In a reference to time, and changing global landscapes; as the paintings swing on their moorings, the reverse of the painting panels depict paintings of icebergs referencing photographs of Arctic icebergs from the 1800s."
Anthony Garratt
The Melt adds another layer to our ongoing and ever-expanding commitment to creativity and creatives, both at Summer Camp and across Hawarden Estate.
From the public (Rob Walker's now iconic GROW mural and Jemima Roberts' 'I think you are the most beautiful creature in the world' billboard) to the personal (handmade brushes and original screen prints created by Summer Camp guests), life is made a little better when we immerse ourselves in, and contribute towards, creativity.
When you join us at Summer Camp, head to The Walled Garden School for a masterclass, book a holiday with us, drop in for a coffee at our Farm Shop or a pint in our pub, we hope a little of that magic stays with you.
A quick Q&A
What is the main thing that you hope to achieve with this piece?
I hope that it is a gentle and intriguing intervention which enables a brief invitation to another part of the world so out of context from our everyday lives, but nonetheless important.
I imagine that there is a huge amount of practical skill involved in bringing something like this to life. Is that the case and, if so, what have been the principle practical challenges?
By nature, placing a large, flat surface outdoors in all weathers presents engineering challenges but fortunately this is mark 2 of the project design so many of the initial issues have been resolved! It has to be portable, repurposed and sturdy enough to look elegant in a diversity of weathers.
Is this part of a series or a one-off project?
This is the second installation for The Melt. Last year, three rafts (six paintings) were moored along the river Dart, and in Exeter city centre…
Most days, do you feel hope or despair or something in between?
I’ve understood that trying not to worry about issues which cannot be tackled individually conserves a healthy energy for tackling issues which can.
How did you come to be working at Hawarden?
Charlie was generous in noticing my project last year and contributing to the enablement of the project through the crowdfunder, we then chatted about bringing it to the stunning grounds of Hawarden.
What’s your dream project/if funding were no object what would you create?
I would love to create an offshore exhibition of seascapes only viewable by telescope. It revisits the 19 century art of exploration and story telling…
Beyond art, what particularly interests you and keeps your mind alive?
I play the piano daily, violin sometimes, sail a gaffer and surf - I’m also restoring the biodiversity of a small patch of land amongst the pleasure of family life with a little son in tow.
What’s your soundtrack to this summer?
I’m enjoying Four Tet and Penguin Cafe currently!
If you could have any one piece of art at home for a year, what would it be?
I’d love to hang out with a Hurvin Andersen painting for a while!
*Anthony has never seen an iceberg, but through painting them has built a fascination with, and a respect for them...
