Yen by Ross Haylett and Morveth Ward, Mild Steel and Cornish Granite, Unique, 255 cm high × 140 cm wide × 85 cm deep

Tranquil Iron (Yen) is a monumental outdoor sculpture by Ross Haylett and Morveth Ward. It brings raw materials into a quiet, poetic dialogue. Standing over two and a half metres tall, the work depicts two abstract human figures. These stick-like forms, forged from welded mild steel, rise from a solid block of Cornish granite. As such, the contrast between the grounded, weighty stone and the slender, upright steel creates a sense of balance, calm, and stillness.

Though minimal in design, the figures are deeply expressive. They suggest both vulnerability and connection. Because their forms are stripped of detail, they feel universal and open to interpretation. Yet, despite their skeletal appearance, the figures carry a subtle humanity—reaching, standing, perhaps listening. Their pose, therefore, hints at quiet interaction, either with each other or with the surrounding landscape.

Furthermore, the choice of materials reinforces the sculpture’s thematic depth. The granite base grounds the piece—a geological anchor shaped over millennia. In contrast, the steel, hand-welded and industrial, introduces a distinctly human touch. This combination feels both fragile and enduring. Together, stone and metal root the sculpture in a dialogue between nature and craft, permanence and presence.

The subtitle Yen—a word evoking longing or desire—adds emotional complexity. It may suggest an unspoken yearning between the figures or, alternatively, a broader meditation on solitude, connection, and the human condition. As the sculpture stands exposed to its environment, it changes with the light, the shifting weather, and the passage of time. These interactions further emphasize its themes of endurance, reflection, and quiet transformation.

Ultimately, in Tranquil Iron, Haylett and Ward present a work that is both bold and meditative. Rather than speaking through movement or detail, it communicates through form, stillness, and presence. It invites viewers to pause—to consider distance, intimacy, and the unspoken moments that shape our experience of others and of the natural world.

For those considering purchasing Yen by Ross Haylett and Morveth Ward, The Sculpture Park offers full support. We arrange delivery, assist with placement, and manage professional installation. Our team handles all technical details, including weight and positioning. We tailor the process to suit your space and preferences.