Hidden Henley

These impressive sculptures are tucked away, yet easy to spot if you know where to look! 12 6 26

Our local River and Rowing Museum has continuously been in the news! Sadly, it’s now permanently closed. However, the scene in my picture can be viewed through the entrance to the car park or from the public footpath that runs parallel to the railway line, and is well worth a look.

These impressive sculptures commemorate the unique achievement of (Sir) Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent in 2000 gaining their 5th consecutive and 3rd respectively Olympic gold medals. Sculptor Sean Henry has captured them how they would appear for a training session on the river in this area, whilst he endeavoured to incorporate the effect of all the years of gruelling training behind their remarkable achievements. And, as the information board says, “contemplating the river prior to rowing”.

It might be said that, although large with each at 2.25 metres high, they are rather “hidden” yet at the same time easily visible once one knows where to look!

Also in the same vicinity on the edge of the car park are more open air RRM displays of an 1890 lock keepers office from Old Windsor, weir paddles from nearby Marsh Lock and a pair of 1981 lock gates from Eynsham. The museum’s current brief website is worth a read and it explains thus: “We are now seeking homes for the River Thames collection and the Rowing collection. Please note that the collection relating to the town of Henley-on-Thames is not currently being disposed of.”