Examples of Public Art in the South West: Devon
East Devon
Blackdown Hills, A303 (2002):
"The Leaping Roe Deer" by Stefan Jennings and Sophie Courtier, supported by Colin Clements and Frank Edwards. The sculptures were commissioned by the Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership and indicate the eastern entry point to the Blackdown Hills AONB.
Contact: Blackdown Hills AONB, St Ivel House, Hemyock, Cullompton, Devon EX15 3SJ. Tel: 01823 680681
Exmouth (2001-2):
Street furniture (2001) by Michael Fairfax and Sebastian Boyesen and "Geoneedle" (2002) by Michael Fairfax.The Geoneedle was designed for the UNESCO East Devon and Dorset Coastal Path World Heritage Site. The three beds of Portland stone are inset with different types of stone found on the coastal path between Orcombe Point and Studland Bay: Permian sandstone, White Lias, Blue Lias, Ham Hill, Forest Marble, Portland, Purbeck Marble and Beer stone. On top of these sits mirror finished stainless steel reflecting back the colour of the sky.
Seaton (1999):
Street furniture and gateways (1999) by Simon Percival. Banners on gateways (1999) by Xheight Designs.
Contact: Ishbel Ramsay, Arts Development Officer, East Devon District Council, Knowle, Sidmouth, EX10 8HL.
Tel: 01395 516551 Email: [email protected]
Exeter
St Catherine's Almhouses, Princesshay development, Exeter (2005):
Art installations, entitled "Marking Time", by Patricia Mackinnon-Day. Mackinnon-Day's work uses an eclectic mix of archaeological finds, industrial glass, text and light to lead the visitor on a journey through the space, hinting at the multiple layers of its history.
Contact: Sam Wilkinson, Project Manager, Insite Arts
Tel: 01926 498488 Email: [email protected]
The Exeter Traceries, Bedford Square, Princesshay development, Exeter (2007):
Artist Dr Katayoun Pasban Dowlatshahi was commissioned by Land Securities to make a work in glass, for a building in Bedford Square, Exeter City centre.The artist writes “I envisioned the glass installation as a contemporary rood screen with a unique view through to the cathedral.”
Contact: Sarah Collicott at Insite Arts
Tel: 01926 614496 Email: [email protected].
www.katayoundowlatshahi.com.
The Exeter Riddle (2005):
A 6.5 metre high stainless steel sculpture, by Michael Fairfax, to mark the completion of the High Street enhancement scheme, funded by the County Council in partnership with Exeter City Council and Land Securities. The sculpture is linked to the Anglo-Saxon Exeter Book of Riddles and the riddles are laser cut into the steel in reverse, thus creating a visual riddle.
Contact: Alan Stone, Urban Designer, Environment Directorate, Devon County Council, County Hall, Exeter EX4 2QW.
Tel: 01392 382252 Email: [email protected]
The Daycaster (2004):
This striking work, designed by Sutherland Hussey Architects, stands beside the Honiton Road interchange at the eastern approach to Exeter. Light, controlled by digital technology, is used to articulate current environmental conditions contrasted with historical average weather for the time of year.
Contact: John Rigby, Director of Economy and Development, Exeter City Council.
Tel: 01392 265103 Email: [email protected]
The Exeter Phoenix (1998/1999):
As part of a successful Lottery bid, commissioned works were based on a new version of the Exeter Book of Riddles, originally written by Anglo-Saxon monks. This includes an animated clock sculpture of a phoenix by Paul Spooner, Simon Ruscoe's unicorn, Terry Frost's glass window based on the sun and moon, Peter Appleton's sound sculpture and Justin Knowles' glass cube.
Contact: Exeter Phoenix.
Tel: 01392 667080 Email: [email protected]
The Met Office (2003/4):
A diverse public art programme commissioned as part of the relocation of the Met Office's head office to Exeter in new purpose-built offices. Alex Beleschenko's "Blue Ascending, Green Descending" is in the 'central street'. Placements of six artists working alongside staff - Garry Fabian Miller, Lulu Quinn, Shaunagh McMullan, Michael Wenyon/Susan Gamble, Michael Fairclough and Chris Helson/Sarah Jackets - have resulted in commissions. A selling touring exhibition, "Elemental Insights", with works by 25 south west based artists is the third element.
Contact: Tom Littlewood, Ginkgo Projects Ltd.
Tel: 01934 733406 Email: [email protected]
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Wonford (ongoing):
Has an active arts programme comprising specially commissioned work and a large collection of contemporary art work displayed in public areas. Past commissions include tapestry by Pat Johns in the main entrance, large paintings of hospital services in action by Ivy Smith and automata by Paul Spooner in the main foyer, wall hangings by Vanessa Robertson, altar table by Illingworth & Partridge in the chapel, ceramic fountain/fish tank by Kate Malone in the children's courtyard and a series of photographs by Chris Chapman in the Oncology Centre. A Lottery grant has enabled the Trust to commission an extensive capital public arts programme throughout the hospital and this includes commissions for seating, courtyard development, improvements to wards and departments.
Contact: Stephen Pettet-Smith, Arts Manager, Exeter Healthcare Arts, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford), Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DW.
Tel: 01392 402366 Email: [email protected]
Three Voices of Heavitree, Exeter
As part of the Environmental Improvements scheme implemented by Exeter Council in 2008, artist Michael Fairfax was appointed to develop a site specific work of art at Gordon’s Place and in the new space being created adjacent to the Royal Oak Public House.
The artworks created include a 5m high stainless steel and glass arch that holds the words of Richard Hooker, who was born in Heavitree in 1554 and became an Anglican priest and influential theologian. The words in the glass arches spill onto the pavement and re-enter the arches before finally exiting into the paving and pointing across the road. The words in the central glass panel are a poetic meditation on the famous Heavitree yew (still to be seen in the Churchyard).
Paving stones have also been engraved with spiralling text in decreasing size to the centre where the text enters a metal tree grill made in three sections. The words then writhe up a metal tree guard two metres high, spiralling into the leaves and branches of an English Oak tree.
Contact: Paul Osborne CMLI, Environmental Improvements Officer, Design Team, Planning Services, Exeter City Council
Tel: 01392 265274 Email: [email protected]
Mid Devon
Exe Valley Leisure Centre, Tiverton (2003):
Four pieces of public art work have been incorporated into the fabric of the leisure building in Tiverton - learner pool mosaic tiles, glasswork in entrance lobby, kinetic plasma cut steelwork and external illuminated glasswork column.
Lords Meadow Leisure Centre/Crediton Swimming Pool (1998):
Two community arts commissions, a 30 metre tiled wall mural depicting various aspects of the local area and a full mosaic design on the learner pool floor, were undertaken by Rosalind Wates. There are also various icons of the local children's work throughout the pool hall and changing rooms.
Contact: Rob Kelley, Leisure Services Officer, Mid Devon District Council, Ailsa House, Tidcombe Lane, Tiverton, Devon EX16 4DZ.
Tel: 01884 234330 Website: www.middevon.gov.uk
North Devon
Barnstaple Western Bypass, Sticklepath Roundabout (2007):
Commissioned by Devon County Council, Barum Stenning, by Patricia Leighton & Del Geist is a site-specific artwork which reflects the surrounding environment and which pays homage to the history and geology of the area. The sculpture celebrates the great uplifting of the Devonian Period stone, in the region.
Contact: Alan Stone.
Email:[email protected]
Bideford (June 2003):
"Secrets of Bideford", by Exeter based artist Lesley Kerman, was commissioned by the Environment Agency to enhance the flood defence scheme in Bideford. The artwork is a series of transparent resin blocks containing articles, which exemplify the life and history of Bideford, both actual and mythological. They are built into the structure of the defence wall allowing light to pass through them and at night they are lit by fibre optic light.
Contact: Lisa Harty.
Tel: 01237 421191 Email: [email protected]
Ilfracombe/Braunton and Westward Ho!
Art in the Landscape (2003/04):
A series of four pilot projects in North Devon - artworks for a permissive path at Slade Reservoir near Ilfracombe by Phil Power, a viewing structure at Valtor Wetland near Braunton by artist/architect team Sans Façon, artworks for the cycleway in Braunton by Kirsty Waterworth with Braunton Youth Club and artworks sited along the coastal path in Westward Ho! by Simon Heath working with residents.
Contact: Ben Totterdell, Northern Devon Coast & Countryside Service.
Tel: 01237 423655
The Landmark (1998):
This Lottery funded arts and entertainment complex features a dramatic programme of sequential lighting which illuminates a giant acoustic fabric lining and suspended acoustic panels, in the Pavilion after dusk. Lighting designed by Spiers and Major for Tim Ronalds Architects on behalf of North Devon District Council.
Contact: Alan Dodd, Cultural Development Manager, North Devon District Council, Museum of North Devon , The Square, Devon EX32 8LN.
Tel: 01271 327711 Email: [email protected]
Plymouth
City Vistas ('Neither here, nor there', 2006):
As part of Architecture Week 2006 in the South West region, four cities had their vistas dramatically changed. Huge canvas structures were installed in busy urban spaces during June that aimed to, quite literally, alter the way people see their surroundings; drawing attention to the architectural environment and encouraging a fresh look at familiar surroundings.
In Gloucester, Swindon, Bristol and Plymouth, Bristol-based artist Lisa Scantlebury, erected digitally rendered trompe-l’oeil images. Measuring two and a half metres high by over nine metres wide, the works responded to the characteristics of each individual city and invited passers by to stop and think about how we relate to the urban environment and reconsider the impact it has on daily lives.
The project was funded by Arts Council England (South West).
Follow this link to download a discussion paper about this project in Adobe Acrobat format, 41KB.
Contact: Carolyn Black, Project Manager
Email: [email protected]
Derriford Hospital, Level 12 (1996/1998):
Refurbishment of children's wardsincorporating wall paintings and a puppet booth by SaraEasby, tapestries by Christine Sawyer, Sara Easby and staffand stained glass by Ros Grimshaw. "Sea to Moors Project" (1998), based at the cancer centre. Works commissioned include a textile by Gabriella Falk, Clare Henshaw's glass bowl and Michael Fairfax's carved oak panels. "The Light Source Project" callson the creative energies of the people the cancer centreserves - patients, staff and visitors - and commissionsare based on artists' residencies, covering photographyand literature, all exploring the theme of light.
Contact: Juliet Cole. Tel: 01752 763970
Pembroke Street Estate (1995):
A collaborative project between the residents and Plymouth City Council to refurbish a run-down, post-war housing estate in the Devonport area of Plymouth. A community arts programme saw artists and residents together design large steel gates linking the local primary school to the estate, steel panels in each stairwell in the flats, fencing round the estate, stonework panels and stonework cappings for brick gate posts and a ceramic mosaic. The project won a British Urban Regeneration's Best Practice Award in 1996.
Mount Wise Greenlink Community Environmental Arts Project (2000 onwards):
Coming from the Pembroke Street Estate project, this community led project covers art forms from a large floor mosaic to dance and drama classes. Originally funded by Arts Lottery, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth 2000 Partnership, European Regional Development Fund and Po-Shing Woo Charitable Foundation, Greenlink continues to be a major influence in the use of cultural activities in urban regeneration, through the Devonport Regeneration Company, a £50k, 10 year programme, secured by the original Greenlink Members.
Contact: Jenny Fairman, Community Arts Worker, Mount Wise Greenlink.
Tel: 01752 556766 or
Lynn Bell, The Devonport Regeneration Company
Tel: 01752 562518
Mutley Plain Regeneration Initiative (2003):
A package of improvements linking community safety concerns and access issues with a main focus on the environment and public art. Five artwork commissions were: seating and planters by Andrew Skelton, small scale sculptures by Janet Stoyel, central reservation artwork by Steve Geliot, film artist in residence Lotta Petronella and website by designer Stuart Moore, Sundog Media.
Contact: Alison Hernandez , Neighbourhood Renewal, Plymouth City Council.
Tel: 01752 307823 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mutleyplain.org.uk
Victoria Park (1990/91):
" Moor", a large steel sculpture by Richard Deacon, made as part of the TSWA 4 Cities Project.
Contact: Paul Kelly, Principal Arts Officer, Plymouth City Council, Department for Lifelong Learning, Civic Centre, Armada Way, Plymouth PL1 2AA.
Tel: 01752 307139 Email: [email protected]
Waterfront Walkway (1999):
A walkway, which has extended the coastal path through Plymouth , comprises a distinctively marked trail designed to enhance the rich social, industrial and naval history of Plymouth . The artists were Gordon Young and Brian Fell, stone-cutter Russell Coleman and designers Why Not Associates.
Contact: Planning & Regeneration, City of Plymouth Civic Centre, Plymouth PL1 2EW.
Zest (ongoing):
Projects across the Plymouth area in healthcare settings. Artists commissioned to date include Tahera Aziz and Robin Blackledge.
Contact: Trystan Hawkins, Artistic Director.
Tel: 01752 437006 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.zestarts.org.uk
South Hams
There is a range of Parish Maps throughout the South Hams
The following are some examples:
Rattery (1993-4): a copy of map on village notice board outside Church House Inn. Call Joy Smerdon to purchase poster copies (01364 642002). A village trail based on the map is also on sale at the pub and village shop.
Ashton (1992): a copy of the map can be seen as an interpretive sign opposite the monument in the centre of the village.
Cornwood (1995): a 3D map is sited in a glass case under the oak tree beside the village hall. In the church (always open) you can see the original copy of the parish book, written by local people. Copies are on sale in the village shop (and the Tallyho Inn).
Silverton (1995): a giant batik quilt hangs in either the memorial hall (Landscove) or Court Room (Staverton), not always open. For poster copies of the map and parish history books contact Sue Misselbrook (01803 762475).
Contact: Robert Green, Marketing & Tourism Officer, South Hams District Council.
Tel: 01803 861406 Email: [email protected]
For all parish maps in the south west visit: www.england-in-particular.info/parishmaps
Sustrans: Art & the Travelling Landscape
The National Cycle Network created by Sustrans isnot only an intricate web of alternative transport arteries,it is also the longest outdoor gallery in the world.Interspersed along the 10,000 miles of cyclepaths areover a thousand sculptures and other public works ofart. Sites are free and open to all.
See details of Sustransartworks on the Tarka Trail in North Devon andthe West Country Way in Exmoor.
Further information about Sustrans: http://www.sustrans.org.uk
Teignbridge District Council
Dartmoor (2004):
Several sculptures, by Peter Randall Page, sited near Drewsteignton, Chagford and at Whiddon Deer Park, were commissioned as part of Common Ground's Local Distinctiveness Project.
Contact: Doff Pollard, Arts & Events Officer
Tel: 01626 361101 x 2607 Email: [email protected]
Dawlish Hospital (1999):
Entrance foyer, wall and floor murals, paintings, lighting, colour schemes and finishes by Andrew Stacey.
Contact: Doff Pollard, Arts & Events Officer
Tel: 01626 361101 x 2607 Email: [email protected]
Dawlish Leisure Centre (1994):
Brickwork design, signs and sculpture in the bar by Ray Smith, tile design in swimming pool, "Taking a Line for a Walk", by Richard Long.
Contact: Doff Pollard, Arts & Events Officer
Tel: 01626 361101 x 2607 Email: [email protected]
Haldon Hill (1994):
"Bird of Prey Viewpoint", Haldon Hill, by Nick Meech. A structure and seating, commissioned by Forest Enterprise.
Contact: Doff Pollard, Arts & Events Officer
Tel: 01626 361101 x 2607 Email: [email protected]
Haldon Hill (2005):
The Centre for Contemporary Art and the Natural World has recently opened a Project Space in the Forestry Commission's 3500 acre Haldon Forest Park, south of Exeter. Its programme encompasses exhibitions, artist residencies, workshops, projects and live events, some of which take place in the forest. An 8 metre long oak bench has been commissioned from Robert Kilvington for the Mamhead viewpoint which overlooks the Exe Estuary. The Forestry Commission has also commissioned work along the Play and Sensory Trails. The Project Space is open Tuesdays to Sundays 10am-5pm and Bank Holidays (excluding Christmas Day).
Contact: CCANW, Haldon Forest Park, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7XR
Tel. 01392 832277 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ccanw.co.uk
Newton Abbot Forde House (2000):
"Eight Granite Forms" by Justin Knowles. The granite was salvaged from the sea within the Teign Estuary, having been quarried and 'dressed' at Haytor in the mid 19th century and transported via the Granite Tramway and Stover Canal to Teignmouth. The work was donated to Teignbridge District Council by the CD and M Pike Charitable Trust.
Contact: Doff Pollard, Arts & Events Officer
Tel: 01626 361101 x 2607 Email: [email protected]
Newton Abbot Hospital (1998):
St Michael's Unit - floors, lighting, colour schemes, paintings, garden design by Andrew Stacey. Garden pond, relief sculptures, mosaics and benches by Roger Dean Associates.
Contact: Doff Pollard, Arts & Events Officer
Tel: 01626 361101 x 2607 Email: [email protected]
Teign Estuary (1997):
Viewing area in Salcombe Dip, Teignmouth by Mark Merer.
Contact: Doff Pollard, Arts & Events Officer
Tel: 01626 361101 x 2607 Email: [email protected]
Teignbridge Playsites (2002):
Andrew Stacey and Ray Smith responded to a public survey to prioritise upgrading playschemes in the district by working with the play equipment providers to produce site specific 3D design and interlinking and ground graphics, to create quality and coherence to the play schemes.
Contact: Doff Pollard, Arts & Events Officer
Tel: 01626 361101 x 2607 Email: [email protected]
Teignmouth, Kingsway Flats (1997):
Work by Glen Eastman.
Contact: Doff Pollard, Arts & Events Officer
Tel: 01626 361101 x 2607 Email: [email protected]
Teignmouth, Broadmeadow Children's Nursery (2002):
For this new Sure Start Nursery, artist, Andrew Stacey, worked closely with the project architect, Chris Long, on the spaces and undertook substantial research into child development. He also undertook workshops with user groups, staff, mothers and toddlers.
Contact: Doff Pollard, Arts & Events Officer
Tel: 01626 361101 x 2607 Email: [email protected]
Teignmouth, "Making Waves" Project (1999):
This lighting artwork, by Ray Smith (www.raysmithartist.com), is made up of several spans of side-emitting fibre optic in three sheets of wave and thought to be the largest installation of its kind in Europe. A further sheet in Den Road has non-neon lighting with a filled in wave motif. The lights operate off a light sensitive cell and so only come on when it is dark enough.
Contact: Doff Pollard, Arts & Events Officer
Tel: 01626 361101 x 2607 Email: [email protected]
Teignmouth, "Triangles" (1995):
Undertaken as part of the authority's Percent for Art Policy, the aim was to create a more attractive traditional seaside resort for businesses and to encourage economic regeneration. Ray Smith designed and supervised the fabrication of seating, bollards, a screen to separate pedestrians and traffic, a bus shelter and landscaping.
Contact: Doff Pollard, Arts & Events Officer, Technical and Leisure Services, Teignbridge District Council, Forde House, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 4XX.
Tel: 01626 361101 x 2607 Email: [email protected]
Torbay
Brixham Harbour (2000):
mosaic by Brixham Community College at Harbour Office.
Contact: Anna Whitehead, Arts Development Officer, Torbay Council.
Tel: 01803 208861 Email: [email protected]
Beacon Quay (2006)::
public artwork by Bob Budd
The artwork is made up of 3 elements: the 7 metre diameter steel ring circling the new quayside walkway; the Morse Code lighting units running through the decking in the walkway and which also pass through the steel ring; and a 7 metre diameter cross of lights set into the granite floor at the entrance to Beacon Quay. The steel ring has the potential to appear like a large mooring ring, but could be a frame, or more likely, a gateway. The light cross is on the same axis as the steel ring and together they indicate a direction which heads out to sea. The Morse Code spells out 'Vanishing Point'.
These two words underline the main historical significance of this site, being one of the locations from which the D-Day landings started and from where thousands of soldiers departed on the journey across the sea, of whom many were to die just a few hours later on the shores of France. There could, though, be another interpretation of the words. Given the nature of the site being close to the level of the sea, there is a reason to predict that Beacon Quay will be threatened by rising sea levels due to global warming. What comes to mind is the image of people surfing through the steel ring as the waves run directly through it towards town. The site offers the potential to look back and remember, but also, as one takes in the magnificent view and relaxes in the midst of this contemporary space, to ponder on the future.
Contact: Anna Whitehead, Arts Development Officer, Torbay Council.
Tel: 01803 208861 Email: [email protected]
Lower Union Street, "Window on the Bay" (2007):
digital multimedia work by David Harbott
During 2007, the artist collected hundreds of stories about different scenes from around the Bay and the people who lived there, and researched the pictorial history of Torbay, finding Victorian prints, photographs of tram and rail lines being installed, people at work and more. These disparate elements were then united into a series of photomontages. The four main panels of the design were installed on the gable end wall at the Market Street/Lower Union Street junction in Torquay and five further panels are positioned at different levels in front of it to create a 3D image. The project, costing in the region of £25,000, has been entirely funded by Sainsburys PLC.
Download an information sheet about this project in Adobe Acrobat format, 2,873KB.
Contact: Anna Whitehead, Arts Development Officer, Torbay Council.
Tel: 01803 208861 Email: [email protected]
Paignton
Winner Street (2003):
Winner Street regeneration, art work by Becky Bettesworth; "Jubilee sculpture" (2002): large metal sculpture, by Spencer Larcombe, as part of the Queen's Jubilee celebrations; "Sign Walk" (2002) murals and mosaics by Sparc and local schools and decorative railings by Spencer Larcombe.
Contact: Anna Whitehead, Arts Development Officer, Torbay Council.
Tel: 01803 208861 Email: [email protected]
Living Coasts, Paignton Zoo (2003):
Between 2001 and 2003, lead artist Melanie Thompson collaborated with designers, architects, composers, zoologists and the Paignton Zoo education department on the new Living Coasts conservation centre, as part of the regeneration plan for Torquay. A sound art installation, created by Devon based design team, Liminal, was installed in the centre in 2003.
Contact: Rob Lovell, Head of Education, Paignton Zoo.
Tel: 01803 697510.
Torquay
Brunel’s Dance, Brunel Woods, Watcombe (1992):
Group of statues surrounding a 65ft totem pole by artist Keith Barrett.
Contact: Anna Whitehead, Arts Development Officer, Torbay Council.
Tel: 01803 208861 Email: [email protected]
Seasons (2001):
Mosaics produced with Sparc & Torquay CRC, now on display outside the Centre.
Contact: Anna Whitehead, Arts Development Officer, Torbay Council.
Tel: 01803 208861 Email: [email protected]
West Devon
Hatherleigh Town Centre Enhancement Scheme (1997):
works include "Sheep in Hatherleigh Market" by Roger Dean, town map in relief by Roger Dean, "Island Park Bridge" by Ned Morgan, "School Junction Mural" by Alan Beaman, and Millenium plaque and Buddle Lane picture of Blackdown by John Roberts. Some of the work has been created in partnership with local primary school children and Hatherleigh Arts Association. Carved benches by Noah Taylor and Emma Spring have been sited near the entrance to the town, and features and fittings for the top end of the town, known as Carnival Corner, have been produced by Sally Meyer.
Contact: Julia Vella, Arts Officer, West Devon Borough Council.
Tel: 01822 813699 Email: [email protected]
Okehampton (1993-2000):
Mural at the Museum of Dartmoor Life by Elaine Goodwin (1993), 'Black Pigs' by Ray Smith (2000), street treatment and river paving by Ray Smith. At Parklands Leisure Centre, a community project involving pupils from Okehampton College working with lead artist Mandy Mills produced a range of tiles exhibited on the interior walls and stairwell of the building.
Contact: Julia Vella, Arts Officer, West Devon Borough Council.
Tel: 01822 813699 Email: [email protected]
Tavistock (1994):
Street treatment and granite bollards in Duke Street by Peter Randall Page.
Contact: Julia Vella, Arts Officer, West Devon Borough Council.
Tel: 01822 813699 Email: [email protected]
For further information email: [email protected]
© Public Art South West, February 2008