2 July 2009
“Shoal” by artist Will Spankie will join the internationally recognised sculpture collection which has led to the town recently being designated as the country’s first “Sculpture Town”.
Made from Kilkenny limestone, the sculpture depicts a shoal of small fish swimming around the circular stone. A number of the fish designs were produced in a workshop Will held with pupils at Burnt Mill School.
The sculpture will replace the vandalised Hilary Frew work “Two Children on a Rock” in the paddling pool. The project was a popular winner in Harlow Renaissance’s annual Hotspots competition supported by the Harlow Star, which was chosen by visitors at last year’s Harlow Town Show. Financial support has been provided by Essex County Council and Harlow Council, with the project entry submitted and supported by the Friends of Harlow Sculpture and Harlow Art Trust.
Cllr Sue Livings, Vice Chair of Harlow Council and representative on Harlow Art Trust:
“Will Spankie’s new sculpture ‘Shoal’ is a beautiful new addition to Harlow’s sculpture collection. When the paddling pool opens in just a few weeks time, I’m sure local children will delight in having a new sculpture to enjoy and explore this summer. The development of this project has involved a whole range of different organisations and individuals, I’m delighted that all the partners have been able to work together to secure this wonderful new addition to Harlow’s sculpture collection.”
Julian Rea, Chair of Harlow Art Trust:
“The Harlow Art Trust is very pleased to be associated with this new sculpture which is designed to please both adults and children alike. The Trust’s most famous works by Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin, Barbara Hepworth and Elizabeth Frink are internationally known and recognised. But they are the tip of the iceberg. Over sixty other sculptures are spread throughout the town making Harlow one of the most important “Sculpture Towns” in the whole of Britain.”
Jackie Storey, Friends of Harlow Sculpture Collection:
“The Town Park paddling pool with its sculpture brings back fond memories for many Harlow families. A warm summer day trip to the park, a packed lunch and cooling off in the paddling pool, cuddling 'Children on the Rock' stirs up many childhood memories and this nostalgic feeling was the reason it was such a popular choice in the Hotspot Competition. This new piece will carry on the tradition that art should be part of everyday life in our town.”
Andrew Bramidge, Chief Executive of Harlow Renaissance:
“Hotspots was another tremendous success and yet another example of the pride Harlow people have in the town. Will has brought flair and vivacity to the project and we are delighted that he is making his own impression on the artistic legacy of the town. We see this as being another positive step in the promotion of the town and to help people see something different in Harlow.”
Harlow’s children will be able to appreciate the new sculpture with immediate effect, with the paddling pool due to be filled for the summer holidays in the next week.