Mosaic commemorates Wales’ largest salmon on the River Usk

Historic salmon captured in art

A life-sized mosaic commemorating the largest salmon ever recorded in Wales has been installed beside the River Usk. The artwork depicts the historic 68.5lb hen salmon netted at Llantrisant in 1782.

Usk Civic Society commissioned local artist Stephanie Roberts to create the 143cm mosaic, which was based on two previous life-sized paintings of the famous specimen. It was unveiled on 18 October by Jean Williams of Sweet’s Fishing Tackle before a crowd of around 70 people, and is sited on the riverbank approximately 100 yards upstream from Usk Bridge.

Ms Roberts worked with Year 6 pupils from Usk CV Primary School to create the piece, which incorporates the salmon’s life cycle and visual features including scales and spots in iridescent mosaic tiles. Over four days, pupils arranged the mosaic tiles to form the design.

A landmark for anglers and walkers

Ms Williams noted that a fish of such extraordinary size is extremely unlikely ever to be caught again in the River Usk. It is believed the enormous hen fish was caught by coracle as she headed upriver to spawn.

The mosaic now serves as a landmark for anglers and walkers along the riverside path, marking the spot near where this remarkable specimen was taken over two centuries ago. More information about the artist’s work can be found at stephanierobertsart.com.