A WOODEN carving depicting a man hammering into a beer barrel has been unveiled. 

The barrel-making artisan was crafted and placed in the new St Mary’s Hill development in Blandford to honour the town’s brewing history. 

Blandford has been associated with beer-making since the Hall & Woodhouse brewery was set up in 1777. 

The solid oak work, created by Dorset sculptor and wood carver Lee Dickenson, was revealed at a public ceremony. 

Lee runs Squashedapple Woodcarving, based in Sturminster Newton. 

The artwork was funded by Bellway Wessex, which is building the new 207 homes in Blandford and is part of rules set out in planning conditions. 

Lucy Seakins, head of sales for Bellway Wessex, said: “The brewery is less than half a mile from our development so we thought it would be fitting for us to commission a work of art that would celebrate the village’s beer-making tradition. 

“The reason for choosing a cooper to be represented in this public work of art was inspired by the happy coincidence that it is not only a tradesman associated with the brewing industry but also the name of one of the house types we are building at St Mary’s Hill. 

“The Bellway Artisan Collection, which includes a two-bedroom Cooper design, has been created to celebrate the names of many traditional artisan crafts. 

“This magnificent wooden carving, also called The Cooper, has been afforded pride of place in the public open space right at the entrance to the development.  

“This means that it is the first thing that visitors will see when they come to the site. 

“So far 77 homes at St Mary’s Hill have been handed over to their new residents and it is lovely to see a new neighbourhood beginning to form.  

“We hope that these homeowners, and those that follow them, will enjoy the sight of this glorious sculpture which reminds people of the proud history of the village’s beer-making roots.” 

Bellway Wessex must contribute £2.4m to help improve Blandford’s infrastructure and services. More than £2m will go towards education.