New public artwork inspired by local wildlife species
News release 9623, published on 04 Feb 2020
Two new pieces of public artwork have been unveiled, as a result of work by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to encourage developers to include public art in new developments.
‘The Archway’, created by Cornwall-based metal sculptors Thrussells has been installed at Gillies Meadow in Rooksdown and marks the entrance to the Land Trust’s Spinney Trail.
Inspired by the Helleborine Orchid, the sculpture offers residents and visitors the opportunity to view this rare and local flower from a different perspective.
In addition, residents in Harrow Drive, Headley will now be able to enjoy a decorative bench, designed by Andy Quirk and Utopia Forge and made by Hartworks. The bench was designed following consultation with local residents and features hand forged sculptures of Purple Emperor butterflies – a species local to the area.
Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Partnerships Cllr Simon Bound said: “We are delighted with these two new additions to our public art portfolio. Their design and inspiration come from the natural habitat around the developments, helping to promote the unique and beautiful species in the area.
“I would encourage our residents to take the opportunity to get out and explore the art and hope that many people will enjoy them over the coming years.”
David Wilson Homes Southern built the homes at Gillies Meadow. Sales Director Rob Allen said: “When creating a new community, it’s not only important for us to bring new quality homes to the area, but to also provide new facilities and cultural features for new and existing residents to enjoy.
“Thanks to the hard work of the team at Thrussells, residents at Gillies Meadow, now have these amazing and inspirational pieces of art to enjoy for a very long time.”
Land Trust Estates Officer Ed Knowles added: “The Spinney is already a very popular spot for a walk for local residents and the community and this new artwork will provide another incentive to get people outside, spending time in green spaces and improving their physical and emotional wellbeing.”
The artworks are the latest addition to a vibrant range of public art across the borough. For more information visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/public-art
‘The Archway’, created by Cornwall-based metal sculptors Thrussells has been installed at Gillies Meadow in Rooksdown and marks the entrance to the Land Trust’s Spinney Trail.
Inspired by the Helleborine Orchid, the sculpture offers residents and visitors the opportunity to view this rare and local flower from a different perspective.
In addition, residents in Harrow Drive, Headley will now be able to enjoy a decorative bench, designed by Andy Quirk and Utopia Forge and made by Hartworks. The bench was designed following consultation with local residents and features hand forged sculptures of Purple Emperor butterflies – a species local to the area.
Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Partnerships Cllr Simon Bound said: “We are delighted with these two new additions to our public art portfolio. Their design and inspiration come from the natural habitat around the developments, helping to promote the unique and beautiful species in the area.
“I would encourage our residents to take the opportunity to get out and explore the art and hope that many people will enjoy them over the coming years.”
David Wilson Homes Southern built the homes at Gillies Meadow. Sales Director Rob Allen said: “When creating a new community, it’s not only important for us to bring new quality homes to the area, but to also provide new facilities and cultural features for new and existing residents to enjoy.
“Thanks to the hard work of the team at Thrussells, residents at Gillies Meadow, now have these amazing and inspirational pieces of art to enjoy for a very long time.”
Land Trust Estates Officer Ed Knowles added: “The Spinney is already a very popular spot for a walk for local residents and the community and this new artwork will provide another incentive to get people outside, spending time in green spaces and improving their physical and emotional wellbeing.”
The artworks are the latest addition to a vibrant range of public art across the borough. For more information visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/public-art