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Liquorice Park's Secret Garden - Recycling In Urban Art

Updated on December 18, 2015

Urban Art and Recycling

Liquorice Park - how how one man put his dream of urban art into reality - is a tribute from friends who have known him for years, respect and appreciate his work and feel he deserves credit. Welcome to the Secret Garden created in Liquorice Park by Richard Bett, Lincoln based sculptor, jewellery designer and musician. Thank you for being the special person you are and not being discouraged by critics.

Photos and films used here are all my own work. Please respect and do not copy :)

Liquorice Park Credits....

Thank you to Richard's helpers!

I hope to add to these over time. Work progresses every week in Liquorice Park. When you browse the slides you will see they have credits to people who have helped Richard with this project. On his behalf I would like to say a special thank you to Phil Robinson, Robert Clark, Tim & Chrissie Plant, Dave Kitchen, Jamie Hawker and Andy Tomlinson for all you have done.


No order of preference. We love you all!

Photos from the Secret Garden - From the Grotto in Liquorice Park

Click thumbnail to view full-size
A view into the grotto shows a little stone wall and a bench posing as a sofa. The sofa is comprised of concrete "pillows" with a projecting wooden seat. It is actually surprisingly comfortable!The path way to the grotto features some specially made tiles and miniature crazy paving work which spells the word "Welcome" - something artists have always been on the Terrace!A closer view of the concrete sofa shows the interesting wall, niche and concrete pillows in more detail. Thanks to Robert Clark for his help with building the seat. Andy Tomlinson located the beautiful old oak in an old factory on Beevor Street. It Richard was very keen to use recycled materials in his work. Here he uses tires as a flexible yet stable bed for his steps. A much better use for tyres than landfill or burning! I believe these steps are unique, although garbage warrior set the preceThis is one of several tile work plaques set into the crazy paving. It uses recycles pottery to make a mozaic and is both pretty and interesting.A closer look at another plaque reveals the mozaic work.Here is yet another attractive plaque set into the crazy paving. It gives a real Gaudi feel to the grotto which we love! These mosaics were produced by a group of artists with learning difficulties. The group is run by Phil Robinson and the artists nA view of the obelisks and the second bench reveals that these are built up on conical piles of used tyres. As you will see in my video, this reflects the urban environment and mirrors the coal-fired power stations which are visible on the horizon.Richard's topiary animals are held in high regard by residents on the Terrace. They take much time and patience to create and maintain. He has created a cat and a dog so far. Thank you to Tim and Chrissie Plant for the donation of the forsythia whichThis picture gives a closer view.... Richard had hoped also to make a topiary rabbit, but somebody keeps removing the structure he uses to encourage growth in an appropriate shape. We think this is down to pure envy and look forward to the day when t
A view into the grotto shows a little stone wall and a bench posing as a sofa. The sofa is comprised of concrete "pillows" with a projecting wooden seat. It is actually surprisingly comfortable!
A view into the grotto shows a little stone wall and a bench posing as a sofa. The sofa is comprised of concrete "pillows" with a projecting wooden seat. It is actually surprisingly comfortable!
The path way to the grotto features some specially made tiles and miniature crazy paving work which spells the word "Welcome" - something artists have always been on the Terrace!
The path way to the grotto features some specially made tiles and miniature crazy paving work which spells the word "Welcome" - something artists have always been on the Terrace!
A closer view of the concrete sofa shows the interesting wall, niche and concrete pillows in more detail. Thanks to Robert Clark for his help with building the seat. Andy Tomlinson located the beautiful old oak in an old factory on Beevor Street. It
A closer view of the concrete sofa shows the interesting wall, niche and concrete pillows in more detail. Thanks to Robert Clark for his help with building the seat. Andy Tomlinson located the beautiful old oak in an old factory on Beevor Street. It
Richard was very keen to use recycled materials in his work. Here he uses tires as a flexible yet stable bed for his steps. A much better use for tyres than landfill or burning! I believe these steps are unique, although garbage warrior set the prece
Richard was very keen to use recycled materials in his work. Here he uses tires as a flexible yet stable bed for his steps. A much better use for tyres than landfill or burning! I believe these steps are unique, although garbage warrior set the prece
This is one of several tile work plaques set into the crazy paving. It uses recycles pottery to make a mozaic and is both pretty and interesting.
This is one of several tile work plaques set into the crazy paving. It uses recycles pottery to make a mozaic and is both pretty and interesting.
A closer look at another plaque reveals the mozaic work.
A closer look at another plaque reveals the mozaic work.
Here is yet another attractive plaque set into the crazy paving. It gives a real Gaudi feel to the grotto which we love! These mosaics were produced by a group of artists with learning difficulties. The group is run by Phil Robinson and the artists n
Here is yet another attractive plaque set into the crazy paving. It gives a real Gaudi feel to the grotto which we love! These mosaics were produced by a group of artists with learning difficulties. The group is run by Phil Robinson and the artists n
A view of the obelisks and the second bench reveals that these are built up on conical piles of used tyres. As you will see in my video, this reflects the urban environment and mirrors the coal-fired power stations which are visible on the horizon.
A view of the obelisks and the second bench reveals that these are built up on conical piles of used tyres. As you will see in my video, this reflects the urban environment and mirrors the coal-fired power stations which are visible on the horizon.
Richard's topiary animals are held in high regard by residents on the Terrace. They take much time and patience to create and maintain. He has created a cat and a dog so far. Thank you to Tim and Chrissie Plant for the donation of the forsythia which
Richard's topiary animals are held in high regard by residents on the Terrace. They take much time and patience to create and maintain. He has created a cat and a dog so far. Thank you to Tim and Chrissie Plant for the donation of the forsythia which
This picture gives a closer view.... Richard had hoped also to make a topiary rabbit, but somebody keeps removing the structure he uses to encourage growth in an appropriate shape. We think this is down to pure envy and look forward to the day when t
This picture gives a closer view.... Richard had hoped also to make a topiary rabbit, but somebody keeps removing the structure he uses to encourage growth in an appropriate shape. We think this is down to pure envy and look forward to the day when t

Urban Art and Recycling - Recycling and producing art! - Sculpture using natural and recycled materials

From the beginning, it was Richard's dream to use recycled materials in the landscaping and sculptures of Liquorice Park. He has incorporated old tyres into the steps and the features and used old style topiary on a large scale to form interesting tree animals in the park. He read up on many of the ideas presented in the books that follow. These show how there is a use for everything! One man's rubbish is another man's treasure trove!

A Secret Garden - Tribute to Richard Bett - Here is my offering, with thanks! I hope others will find it inspiring!

The video uses images displayed here as stills.


The music is "Jerusalem" by Parry. I arranged this myself as I wanted it to build from a simple cornet solo into a full and sonorous brass band piece that would reflect how we could indeed build Jerusalem among the "dark satanic mills" the power stations suggest if only we had drive and imagination!


Locals enjoy the Secret Garden - ...to be added to as and when new work is completed...

Click thumbnail to view full-size
Here flowers grow wild among the grasses and brambles. We think this beauty might be crocosmia.When the sun sets in the West over the Secret Garden, the whole neighbourhood starts to glow....Richard chats with Tim and Chrissie during a welcome break from his labours.Ashley plays King of the Castle on the sofa....And jokes about the dent he has left in the cushions....Richard and Chrissie search for unusual plants and discover something fern-like....Could this be liquorice returning to the park? Or is it Lady Fern?Children love to play hide and seek among the sculptures.
Here flowers grow wild among the grasses and brambles. We think this beauty might be crocosmia.
Here flowers grow wild among the grasses and brambles. We think this beauty might be crocosmia.
When the sun sets in the West over the Secret Garden, the whole neighbourhood starts to glow....
When the sun sets in the West over the Secret Garden, the whole neighbourhood starts to glow....
Richard chats with Tim and Chrissie during a welcome break from his labours.
Richard chats with Tim and Chrissie during a welcome break from his labours.
Ashley plays King of the Castle on the sofa....
Ashley plays King of the Castle on the sofa....
And jokes about the dent he has left in the cushions....
And jokes about the dent he has left in the cushions....
Richard and Chrissie search for unusual plants and discover something fern-like....
Richard and Chrissie search for unusual plants and discover something fern-like....
Could this be liquorice returning to the park? Or is it Lady Fern?
Could this be liquorice returning to the park? Or is it Lady Fern?
Children love to play hide and seek among the sculptures.
Children love to play hide and seek among the sculptures.

Topiary Bargains for your garden - Topiary made easy

These miniature topiary frames make small projects easy. Richard's topiary on the other hand is entirely hand made, giant sized, and has no frame! Wow!

What's New About The Secret Garden?

What is Richard up to in the potting shed?

Spring promises to be worth a visit, video camera in hand. Richard has fully recovered from breaking his leg and has big plans with his topiary as well as the grotto. Presently he is working on a fish and a mouse. The cat is looking better and better and people visit the park just to take photos of the giant topiary cat and dog sculptures. Natural topiary on this scale requires tremendous patience and an eye for form. We are very proud of our friend!

Liquorice Park - The Visitors

Open day arrives at Liquorice Park and visitors come from "Green Spaces" to see the work done here by various groups, including Richard and his friends. This video shows some of the Green Spaces visit, including a surprise guest appearance of the Green Man.... I hope you enjoy the music as I wrote it!

Topiary and Gardening - How to Make Topiary Animals

Not on the same scale as Richard's animals, but these kits make it easy for anyone to do!

The Secret Garden - Children's Classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden
Didn't we all want to be part of this as children? A children's classic that gets right to the heart of what children often dream of - a place they can be completely themself - nothing changes....
 Buy Now
 

The Secret Garden And Other Adventures

Whether you need to check out other versions of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic, or look for other items entirely, feel free to use our search!

Proof that fans enjoy the benches Richard has constructed....

Click thumbnail to view full-size
Lisa finds the sofa is surprisingly comfortable and lounges happily in the grotto - minus TV of course.... All the building work is thanks to Richard and his friends. Thank you particularly to Jamie Hawker for materials and advice!What was formerly just an untidy and inaccessible part of Liquorice Park now is interesting and inviting. Only the old broken down fence reminds us what a mess it was only last year! We really owe our thanks to Richard and helpers Andy, Jamie and othAt sunset the view can be breathtaking from here. Even the power stations can be beautiful in the right light. I wonder, did they also inspire the obelisks?And as the sun finally begins its journey into night, we make our way back home to our terraced street feeling happy in the knowledge that beauty can be created from wasteland and unwanted objects...Colin relaxes on the rustic bench, enjoys a leg stretch and contemplated the view.Another mosaic, this time it depicts a tree.....When you look back into the grotto you are never quite sure what new things you might find....And who is this in the formerly empty niche? Why on Earth has the poor fellow been so badly used? What manner of heinousness brought this upon his miserable personage??? More details in the next slide....We can honestly say that here we have found someone a little less comfortable with the soft furnishings.... Thanks to Dave Kitchen for his prisoner sculpture! The prisoner is a former dictator and he is being drowned by water rising in his cell!So sad to watch the setting sun from such a dungeon.... Thanks to Bex for letting me know who made the prisoner and to Riccardo for confirming it was Dave Kitchen! I will try to credit and update work by other artists here whenever I can!
Lisa finds the sofa is surprisingly comfortable and lounges happily in the grotto - minus TV of course.... All the building work is thanks to Richard and his friends. Thank you particularly to Jamie Hawker for materials and advice!
Lisa finds the sofa is surprisingly comfortable and lounges happily in the grotto - minus TV of course.... All the building work is thanks to Richard and his friends. Thank you particularly to Jamie Hawker for materials and advice!
What was formerly just an untidy and inaccessible part of Liquorice Park now is interesting and inviting. Only the old broken down fence reminds us what a mess it was only last year! We really owe our thanks to Richard and helpers Andy, Jamie and oth
What was formerly just an untidy and inaccessible part of Liquorice Park now is interesting and inviting. Only the old broken down fence reminds us what a mess it was only last year! We really owe our thanks to Richard and helpers Andy, Jamie and oth
At sunset the view can be breathtaking from here. Even the power stations can be beautiful in the right light. I wonder, did they also inspire the obelisks?
At sunset the view can be breathtaking from here. Even the power stations can be beautiful in the right light. I wonder, did they also inspire the obelisks?
And as the sun finally begins its journey into night, we make our way back home to our terraced street feeling happy in the knowledge that beauty can be created from wasteland and unwanted objects...
And as the sun finally begins its journey into night, we make our way back home to our terraced street feeling happy in the knowledge that beauty can be created from wasteland and unwanted objects...
Colin relaxes on the rustic bench, enjoys a leg stretch and contemplated the view.
Colin relaxes on the rustic bench, enjoys a leg stretch and contemplated the view.
Another mosaic, this time it depicts a tree.....
Another mosaic, this time it depicts a tree.....
When you look back into the grotto you are never quite sure what new things you might find....
When you look back into the grotto you are never quite sure what new things you might find....
And who is this in the formerly empty niche? Why on Earth has the poor fellow been so badly used? What manner of heinousness brought this upon his miserable personage??? More details in the next slide....
And who is this in the formerly empty niche? Why on Earth has the poor fellow been so badly used? What manner of heinousness brought this upon his miserable personage??? More details in the next slide....
We can honestly say that here we have found someone a little less comfortable with the soft furnishings.... Thanks to Dave Kitchen for his prisoner sculpture! The prisoner is a former dictator and he is being drowned by water rising in his cell!
We can honestly say that here we have found someone a little less comfortable with the soft furnishings.... Thanks to Dave Kitchen for his prisoner sculpture! The prisoner is a former dictator and he is being drowned by water rising in his cell!
So sad to watch the setting sun from such a dungeon.... Thanks to Bex for letting me know who made the prisoner and to Riccardo for confirming it was Dave Kitchen! I will try to credit and update work by other artists here whenever I can!
So sad to watch the setting sun from such a dungeon.... Thanks to Bex for letting me know who made the prisoner and to Riccardo for confirming it was Dave Kitchen! I will try to credit and update work by other artists here whenever I can!

Some Relaxing Celtic Music to soothe you....

The Best of Celtic Music
The Best of Celtic Music
And while you relax on Richard's concrete sofa, what could be nicer than a little relaxing Celtic Music - a common enough sound on Alexandra Terrace near Liquorice Park, Lincoln's Secret Garden halfway up the hill.
 Buy Now
 

© 2009 Lisa Marie Gabriel

working

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