Bexley’s outgoing Mayor Cllr Sue Gower MBE JP commissioned and presented an intricately carved wooden plaque by local artist Liam Redmill to commemorate her year as Mayor and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the London Borough of Bexley.

Cllr Gower presented the plaque, which features the iconic Charter Oak at Danson Park, to Leader of the Council, Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE, at the Council meeting earlier this month (21 May).

She commissioned the artwork after seeing Liam’s skill in detailed wood carving while she visited the new outdoor education space, The Clearing, at Lesnes Abbey Woods. This is Liam’s first official commission - a significant milestone for the local artist.

Councillor Baroness O'Neill of Bexley OBE, Leader of the Council, said:

This brilliant carving is a testament to Cllr Gower’s commitment to Bexley and the incredible artistic talent we are fortunate to have in our borough. Liam has created something that really captures the spirit of our 60 year anniversary".

Bexley-based Liam is a familiar face at Lesnes Abbey Woods, where he contributes to The Clearing by creating beautiful woodcarvings and architectural features from coppiced materials.

Beyond his artistic contributions, Liam is actively involved in restoring and regenerating the ancient woodland through traditional coppicing methods, working alongside volunteers. He also shares his expertise by teaching greenwood bowl and spoon carving classes at The Clearing, engaging families and local groups.

Liam's artistic talents have been showcased previously, with his wood-turned bowls exhibited at the Woodland Festival in 2023.

He also created striking hand-carved totem poles for Lesnes Abbey's The Clearing. Recently, he has completed a commission for Three Rivers Bexley, an Arts Council-funded program, where he designed and installed interactive art installations at Crossness Nature Reserve and Lesnes Abbey Woods.