The Netherlands team was announced the worthy winner of the second London Ice Sculpting Festival this weekend.

Over two days teams from the UK, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Italy battled to produce stunning figures reflecting Canary Wharf’s past and present roles as a maritime, business and retail trading hub. Sculptures comprised a ship’s figure head, icy interpretations of Canary Wharf’s architecture, a letter block construction of the area’s overall trading activities and a traditional sea shanty.

Competition was fierce as all teams delivered spectacular sculptures worthy of scooping the title. Judged by Guy Portelli, Fellow of the Royal Society of British Sculptors; Sally Williams, Public Art Consultant at Canary Wharf Group plc; and Carol Cordrey from Art Alone, the international sculptors worked against the clock to carve 2m blocks of ice into an array of stunning figures.

Producing a sculpture that reflected the modern architecture and the people engaged in all aspects of trading in Canary Wharf, the team from the Netherlands won the hearts of the judges and the crowds with their immense skill and creativity. Stylised human figures formed circles supporting solid circles of ice above their outstretched arms. Together, they were stacked in towers of varying heights, mirroring the skyscraper buildings that Canary Wharf is famed for. Dozens more such figures were placed in a flowing pattern at the base of these wonderful ice towers, serving as a visual link of the multi-faceted Cool Trading that takes place in and between the offices, shopping malls, bars and restaurants. They were also a striking reminder of the daily commuters who give Canary Wharf its pounding heartbeat.

Marjon Katerberg, Netherlands team winner: “We already felt like winners as soon as we finished because we had so many nice comments from the crowd. It’s really nice to surprise the spectators and be able to create a magical environment for them, so we feel like double winners!”

Judging the winners Carol Cordrey, Artalone: “The great enthusiasm of the teams of sculptors, the surrounding retail outlets and the visiting public has reaffirmed my view that the London Ice Sculpting Festival is exactly the right event to inject into the capital’s art calendar. Seeing both the skills of the artists and the actual creation of ice sculpture has stunned the crowds and undoubtedly lifted their spirits in the dull winter period and the endless popularity of the ice sculpting master classes has proved how inspirational this Festival has been. I can’t wait to organise next year’s Festival with The Ice Box and to see it grow and grow into a spectacular celebration of a distinctive, exciting form of art, one that puts the UK firmly on the international ice sculpting map”.

Fellow judge Guy Portelli, Fellow of the Royal Society of British Sculptors: “The ultra modern setting of Canary Wharf forms a perfect backdrop to the Ice sculpting competition. Many people had made the effort to attend as well as having a go. Making the whole event fun, educational and to some an experience that they will never forget. Well done to all that made the event possible”.

Lucie Moore, Arts and Events Manager at Canary Wharf Group plc said: “Canada Square was buzzing for the two days over the festival and we were really pleased both with the quality of sculpture produced, especially from the winning Netherlands team, and the response from the public. Along with the new restaurants, Ice Rink and shopping malls we were confident the ice sculpting festival would be a big draw, and we are delighted this has proved the case.”

For more information visit www.londonicesculptingfestival.co.uk or contact Jacquie@amazingmedia.co.uk / 020 7292 8860