Commission a Piece by Roger Coolbear |

Case Studies Of Some Previous
Commissions

Below are examples of previous commissioned projects that demonstrate site responsiveness, scale, complexity, and narrative capability.

Red Kite — High-Level On-Site Installation (Tree Trunk Commission)

Past commissioned project

A highly complex Red Kite sculpture engineered and installed 26 feet above ground level on the top of a lightning-struck oak tree stump.

Rather than carving directly into the damaged timber, the sculpture was designed as a modular, removable installation, allowing the client to retain the artwork independently of the tree should the site change in the future.

The piece was constructed in four separate elements, incorporating a concealed steel framework with welded steel feet fixed to a custom-shaped base plate.
This plate was specifically engineered to bridge and stabilise existing cracks in the fractured stump, effectively holding the timber together while supporting the sculpture above.

Two independently carved wings were bolted together seamlessly, with all joints and fixings concealed within the form to maintain the appearance of a single, unified carving.

Due to site constraints, no machinery or access towers could be used. Installation was carried out by constructing a bespoke scaffold section around the tree, with a dedicated safety anchoring point fixed directly into the trunk.

This project demonstrates a specialist approach to awkward, high-risk, and technically demanding installations, combining sculpture, engineering judgement, and on-site problem solving.

Red Kite — Tree Stump Installation High-level on-site commissioned work

Wooden Red Kite Sculpture In A Tree Trunk

Red Kite — Tree Stump Installation High-level on-site commissioned work

Red Kite Sculpture Being Constructed on Tree Trunk

Red Kite — Tree Stump Installation High-level on-site commissioned work

Wooden Red Kite Sculpture In A Tree Trunk

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On-Site Osprey Stump Carving — Commissioned Sculpture (Wales)

Past commissioned project

A large-scale Osprey sculpture carved directly on site from an existing tree stump, created as a permanent outdoor feature in a public-facing setting in Wales.

The work was developed in response to the material, location, and surrounding environment, requiring the sculpture to be resolved in situ rather than fabricated off-site and installed later.

This project demonstrates experience working with fixed timber, site constraints, and permanent outdoor placement, where decisions must be made responsively and responsibly within the landscape.

Osprey Stump Carving — Wales Site-specific, on-site commissioned sculpture

Roger Coolbear standing next to finished Osprey Carving

Osprey Stump Carving — Wales Site-specific, on-site commissioned sculpture

Back of Osprey Carving

Osprey Stump Carving — Wales Site-specific, on-site commissioned sculpture

Back Of Osprey Carving in progress

Osprey Stump Carving — Wales Site-specific, on-site commissioned sculpture

Roger Coolbear standing next to finished Osprey Carving

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Climbing Lynx — Commissioned Sculpture

Past commissioned project

A site-specific climbing lynx sculpture designed to integrate directly with existing timber and structure.
The piece was developed to interact physically with its surroundings, using movement, reach, and tension to create a dynamic presence within the space.

This work demonstrates an approach to sculpture that responds to site conditions rather than relying on plinths or isolated placement.

Climbing Lynx Sculpture

Climbing Lynx In Tree Sculpture

Constructing The Lynx

Climbing Lynx Sculpture

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Sea Lion Family Crest — Commissioned Sculpture

Past commissioned project

A bespoke family crest sculpture combining figurative wildlife carving with heraldic symbolism.
The Sea Lion family group was designed as a permanent outdoor centrepiece, responding to the client’s brief for a work that carried both personal meaning and strong visual presence.

This project demonstrates the ability to translate narrative and identity into sculptural form, creating a piece that functions as both artwork and emblem within its setting.