A fundraising effort has been launched to reinstate a sculpture, celebrating “the history and meaning of the landscapes of central Wales and the Cambrian Mountains”, after it fell down during high winds in 2019.

The Pilgrim, or Y Pererin in Welsh, was a piece of sculpture created by Glenn Morris in 2012 as part of a temporary exhibition. The Pilgrim ended up standing on Penlan, overlooking the remains of the 12th century Cistercian Abbey, until high winds blew it over in 2019.

Now the Strata Florida Community Group is crowdfunding to raise the £15,000 needed to return this “iconic” piece of sculpture to the skyline.

The local group seeks to work towards community focused aims, including through liaison and support of projects and organisations in Strata Florida and Pontrhydfendigaid.

The new sculpture, which will be approximately 50% larger and constructed of Welsh oak and steel, will be created by the original artist Glenn Morris, and will strike the same pose on the hill braced against the wind. It will be designed to withstand the elements and “will stand proudly on the hill overlooking Strata Florida for many years to come”.

Operational Director at Strata Florida Trust Carys Aldous-Hughes said: “During its years on Penlan, the sculpture became well-loved and an iconic part of both Strata Florida and the wider Cambrian Mountains.

“The pose of the figure braced against the strong Welsh winds, battling the elements had strong resonance for many, and many connections to Welsh culture and identity. The Pilgrim has been the focus of many photographs and discussions and its image can be seen in a variety of publications.

“Many were saddened when in 2019 the sculpture fell, finally defeated by the weather. Visitors to the site frequently asked where this iconic sculpture had gone and were enthusiastic to have the figure returned to its position.

“The Strata Florida Community Group took on the challenge of putting a new Pilgrim in its place. Planning permission and agreements are now all in place, and all that remains is raising the funds to create this impressive piece.”

The Localgiving page is now live. The World Monuments Fund, which recently funded the Strata Florida Trust’s Arddangosfa Mynachlog Fawr Exhibition, has offered match funding if the Strata Florida Community Group can raise £7,500.

Carys added: “The community is enthusiastic and hopeful about raising the money and seeing the Pilgrim back on the hill, looking out across Ceredigion once again. Donations towards this project can be made through the Localgiving page.

“If your business would like to become an official sponsor of the Pilgrim campaign, please get in touch with us at [email protected].”

To donate to the fundraising effort, please go to https://localgiving.org/appeal/pilgrim/