Get ready for an exciting journey through time and space as we explore the upcoming sculpture trail in Watlington!
Uniting Old and New: A bold vision to connect Watlington's historic heart with its modern developments has been approved, and it's an artistic adventure like no other.
The trail will feature seven unique sculptures, strategically placed along a walking route that bridges the gap between the town's older sections and its newest additions. This ambitious project, known as the ArtSpine Project, was given the green light by South Oxfordshire District Council last November.
But here's where it gets controversial... Five of these sculptures, designed by renowned sculptor Joseph Hillier, will be large clay busts, each capturing a different aspect of Watlington's unique character. From its iconic chalk stream to the diverse habitats of the yew forests on Watlington Hill, these busts will reflect the town's built architecture, predominantly made of brick.
"They're about a metre-high human head busts, mounted on steel plinths," explains Steve Bolingbroke, the Watlington Parish councillor leading this project.
Hillier, currently crafting these masterpieces in his Northumberland studio, draws inspiration from the rich, intertwined communities that make Watlington such a warm and welcoming place. He adds, "Each sculpture explores a different facet of this unique place."
And this is the part most people miss... The local authority has set aside a substantial £125,000 solely for public art, thanks to developers' contributions. This funding ensures that the new housing developments in the west of the town, which will increase its size by a substantial 40%, also contribute to the town's artistic and cultural landscape.
However, not everyone is on board with the idea of placing these sculptures in certain locations. One local resident expressed concern about the "disembodied head sculpture" planned for the area near St Leonard's Church, a place of worship and prayer for centuries.
"The disembodied head sculpture planned to be placed beside the church and yard is totally inappropriate for a place where worship and prayer have been conducted for several centuries," they said.
In response to such feedback, Bolingbroke and his team have decided to withdraw the Town Hall and St Leonard's Church from the original application. Instead, the seven artworks will be installed across Hill Road Car Park, The Paddock, Mansle Gardens, Asgard Green on the new Red Kite View development, and the Willow Close footpath on the new Hampden Meadows development.
"Creating this kind of physical and visual link between the old and new parts of the town is a major part of us creating the new community of Watlington," Bolingbroke said.
So, what do you think? Is this an innovative way to bring a community together, or is it an unnecessary intrusion into the town's historic fabric? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
