Children Help Create New Moon Jar for Dukes Meadows Playground
Artwork replaces the vandalised Sleeping Angel
One of the child artists with Roz Wallis and Tina Heighes. Picture: Dukes Meadows Trust
October 28, 2025
A new ceramic artwork is set to brighten Dukes Meadows Playground in Chiswick after the destruction of a much-loved sculpture left local families saddened. The Sleeping Angel, a longstanding feature of the park, was vandalised earlier this July, but the senseless act has prompted a creative community response.
In its place, a new Moon Jar has been crafted and donated by resident ceramic artist Roz Wallis, who teaches pottery from her studio at Dukes Meadows. To make the project even more meaningful, Roz invited children from Riverside Nursery, located beside the park, to help decorate the piece.
“Their handprints have made it full of life and colour — a real community piece,” said Roz. “When I heard how upset the children were about the Sleeping Angel, I wanted to do something that would bring a bit of happiness back to the playground.”
The initiative was welcomed by Dukes Meadows Trust, which oversees the park. Chair Paul Davis praised Roz’s generosity and the nursery’s involvement: “Roz is incredibly talented. The Jar is a beautifully made piece and will be a lovely enhancement to the playground. The destruction of the Angel was very sad, but it created an opportunity for one of our artists to work with local children, which was fun for everyone.”
Tina Heighes, speaking on behalf of Riverside Nursery, said the children were thrilled to be part of the project: “We were so pleased to be given the opportunity to be part of the beautiful Moon Jar project at Dukes Meadows, combining imagination, nature and community together for many years to come.”
The Trust hopes to have the Moon Jar installed in the playground before Christmas, offering a new focal point for families.
Dukes Meadows Trust is responsible for managing and maintaining a number of features in the park, including the Splash Pool, planted beds, and hedgerows. The group also raises funds for improvements, such as the restoration of Promenade Approach, and relies on income from the Sunday Market and artists’ studios in the renovated Pavilion.
The Trust does not receive revenue funding from the council and relies on volunteer support for its work. Regular volunteer sessions are held on Fridays at 11am.
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