Water provides inspiration for new Leamington sculpture - The Leamington Observer

Water provides inspiration for new Leamington sculpture

Leamington Editorial 12th Jul, 2022   0

WATER has provided the inspiration for a new sculpture in Leamington.

‘Down by the River’ – located outside the Spa Centre and close to the River Leam – is one of a number of commissioned installations as part of the ‘Our Spaces’ project aiming to help reinvigorate public places in towns across Warwickshire.

It has been created north Warwickshire artist Spencer Jenkins and features flowing steel reeds which echo those growing along the river. There is also seating made from two giant pebbles.

Warwickshire County Council (WCC) worked with place curators, Creative Giants, and specialist art fabricators, Factory Settings to design and deliver the installations.




Simon Vaughan from Creative Giants said: “Smaller fledgling artists can find it difficult to break into public realm work due to the complexities of designing and building works for these spaces so the structure of this project has enabled us to bring forward some really strong but less experienced creatives.

WCC economy spokesman Coun Martin Watson explained the role of the project.


He said: “Art and culture play an increasingly key role in the vitality and vibrancy of our places, affecting how that place defines itself and is seen by others.

“The aim of this exciting initiative is to help create that sense of place, and ultimately encourage more use of these places which is a key part of the county council’s multi-pronged strategy to support economic recovery.”

The project was funded with £194,000 from the Government’s Getting Building Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and £150,000 from WCC’s Place Shaping Fund.

The installations are expected to be in place for up to four years but could remain in place longer.

Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ourspaces for further details.

 

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