SAFFRON WALDEN MAZE FESTIVAL 2013: Meet the master maze maker
Adrian Fisher in one of his mirror mazes - Credit: Archant
MIRROR mazes, scary mazes, water mazes or pop-up mazes. Adrian Fisher has done it all.
He is the world’s leading maze-maker, with over 30 years’ experience of designing. He’s made more than 600 mazes in 30 countries all over the world. So who better to be the keynote speaker at the Saffron Walden Maze Festival?
Adrian, who will be giving an illustrated lecture this evening (Saturday August 17), said: “Mazes have been around for thousands of years and Saffron Walden is unique in terms of its history – it’s possibly the most interesting and suitable place to talk about and discover mazes in the country.”
Adrian, who started with hedge and turf mazes like the one in Saffron Walden, describes the Yellow Submarine water maze he made in Liverpool as a career highlight.
But he has also clad the Maze Tower in Dubai in 600 feet of ‘vertical puzzlement’, built the first-ever corn maize in Pennsylvania, and made mazes out of willow, inflatables, mirrors and even mist to confuse and delight children.
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It is the fun element which, he says, is so important.
“There’s a lot about mazes which are so compelling. It’s not better or worse than a rollercoaster,” he said.
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“Mazes should be a sharing experience. It is about families coming together and interacting. And there’s a great sense of achievement at the end of it.
“There are social benefits as well as adventure involved, as well as a religious significance.”
Adrian’s talk is in the Town Hall at 7.30pm. It will prompt discussion, not only focussing on Saffron Walden’s ancient mazes but the modern maze designs and the importance of fun and energy within them.
The event is free but seating is limited. Reservations can be made at the Tourist Information Centre in Market Square.
Adrian will get the chance to look at the great variety of mazes made by local adults and children all over Saffron Walden, and will also open the new permanent labyrinth, designed by John Ready, in the Jubilee Gardens bandstand at 5pm.
