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Newton’s Cottage - Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Date uploaded: October 22, 2014

'Newton’s Cottage' is a new art commission for Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park designed by Rotterdam-based art/architecture collective Observatorium. Commissioned by the London Legacy Development Corporation in partnership with the Canal & River Trust, it is a flagship project as part of the Park’s arts and culture programme, which creates world-class art for everyone to enjoy.

This sculpture echoes the form of the lock keepers cottage that once sat at Carpenters Road Lock – a historically significant lock over the River Lea located in the heart of the Park. Named after C. Newton, the last lock keeper of Carpenters Road Lock, the project celebrates the history and heritage of this unique site and also of the waterways of London – it is a space for reflection and for visitors to consider this historically significant site.

In addition Newton’s Cottage is about craftsmanship and making. The construction of the sculpture will be done in collaboration with the local Building Crafts College in Stratford who continue to teach a wide range of traditional crafts and making techniques.  Three trainees have been selected to work alongside Observatorium and contribute to the construction of Newton’s Cottage as part of the Legacy Corporation’s commitment to developing local skills and employment. You can find out more about our trainee page.

Throughout October and November 2014 Newton’s Cottage will host a series of events and activities curated by Moira Lascelles that will animate the artwork and allow a wide variety of people to engage with the themes and narratives associated with the project.  For more information click here.

Carpenters Road Lock is located on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for a map and full details click here.