EXMOOR award-winning chainsaw artist Matthew Crabb revealed his latest work at the weekend, a 13-feet tall ‘Taunton Dragon’.

The public art sculpture is made from cedar wood, which is renowned for its durability, and has replaced two trees which were planted in Taunton’s High Street when it was pedestrianised in the 1970s.

The trees were removed by Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) because they had outgrown their brick planters and posed a danger to people and properties.

SWT, which has a three-for-one tree replacement policy, planted three new ones and commissioned Mr Crabb to create a High Street public art focal point which it hopes will help to drive footfall to businesses.

SWT culture portfolio holder Cllr Caroline Ellis said: “Matt has crafted the most stunning and awe-inspiring dragon sculpture for residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy.

“Taunton is at the heart of one of the most creative counties in the land, blessed with so many creatives and craftspeople, a county with a great tradition of folklore, mythology, and a rich heritage.

“Our dragon celebrates and amplifies all this and will support us in reviving the High Street and in putting Taunton and Somerset firmly on the arts and cultural map where they belong.”

Matthew Crabb dragon chainsaw sculpture carving Exmoor
Fire breathing was part of the entertainment as Matthew Crabb's 'Taunton Dragon' chainsaw sculpture was unveiled. (Alain Lockyer)

The artwork was inspired by the historical links between dragons and Somerset, including the county’s flag, coat of arms, cricket team, and new unitary council all using dragon images.

Dragons also appear frequently in Somerset’s folklore, including in Carhampton, where St Carantoc was said to have tamed one.

Carvings from 1509 on the chancel screen of All Saints’ Church, in Norton Fitzwarren, reputedly show the ‘dragon of Norton Hillfort’, where the dragon is alleged to have risen from the putrefying bodies of those killed in a great battle.

The chainsaw sculpture was unveiled on Saturday by the Mayor of Taunton, Cllr Sue Lees, and SWT chairman Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey in a carnival-style atmosphere featuring dragon-themed arts and crafts and fire performances.

Mr Crabb, who has run his chainsaw carving business since 2006, has worked on commissions all over the world, including in Spain and Germany.