One of Ray Mill Island’s ‘most cherished landmarks’ has been restored as part of a collaborative project.
Work to restore The Maiden & Swans sculpture by Eunice Goodman started on Thursday, September 25 and was completed on Sunday, September 28.
The project brought together local artists, community partners and volunteers in a collective effort to breathe new life into the long-standing sculpture.
The initiative was led by artist and maker Richard Grant, who has a background in fine art and feature films.
Richard has guided an array of young creatives into careers through dialogue and folio workshops.
Also joining the project were Tara Crist and Nivi Bhide, co-founders of the Friends of Ray Mill Island.
The volunteer-led organisation looks to conserve, enhance and celebrate the island’s ‘natural beauty, wildlife and art’ through community events and hands-on projects.
As part of Wild Maidenhead’s Wilder Parks project, the group aims to promote greater diversity and create ‘a beautiful, natural haven for wildlife’, while offering opportunities for the community to connect.
The group said the restoration project embodies its mission to ‘rewild, revive and reimagine the unique riverside space for wildlife, art and the community’.
The works included injecting structural expanding foam into the hollow base of the sculpture, that had been ‘badly damaged over the decades’.
The team also added fiberglass paste in-fill into the large holes, and each millimetre of the sculpture was sanded and wiped with solvent.
A polyester resin-based paint featuring bronze powder was applied all over the artwork.
In a statement, Tara Crist and Nivi Bhide, said: “This restoration is not only about caring for a piece of art.
“It’s about celebrating creativity, community, and the stories that make Ray Mill Island such a special place for residents and visitors alike.”
It added: “Seeing the Maiden & Swans restored is a moment of real pride for our community.
“This sculpture has always been more than art—it’s a symbol of connection between nature, creativity, and the people who love Ray Mill Island.
“Thanks to the dedication of Richard, Leah, Sheila, Sam and our volunteers, and [the] generous donation from [local couple] Chris & Kay Clegg, the Maiden & Swans will continue to inspire visitors for years to come.”
Leah Thomas, a local artist and founder of Snail Valley also took part in the project, alongside regular volunteer Sheila Attenborough from GoodGym Windsor and Maidenhead.
During the works, the team enjoyed lunches sponsored by Paddleboard Maidenhead and Presto Italian.
People are encouraged to visit Ray Mill Island to take a look at the revitalised sculpture, following the completed works.
Several projects involving clearing, replanting and repairing various areas, are taking place at the island.
One of the key projects for early 2026 will involve dredging the stream behind the Maiden & Swans to help ‘restore it to its former glory’.
For more information about the Friends of Ray Mill Island, visit: www.raymillisland.org
The Friends of Ray Mill Island Walk & Talk group meets outside the Boathouse each Friday.
Attendance can be booked via: https://bookwhen.com/formi
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