Category Archives: Public Art

All forms of commissioned artwork and consultation which can be viewed by the public in predominantly public places.

Meeting Dr Chris Evans, Professor of History, University of South Wales

12th February 2015 – Treforest, South Wales – the birthplace of SIR TOM JONES !

Treforest Station Railway Footbridge. Image: Christopher Tipping
Treforest Station Railway Footbridge. Image: Christopher Tipping
Treforest Station Railway Footbridge. Image: Christopher Tipping
Treforest Station Railway Footbridge. Image: Christopher Tipping

I met with Dr Chris Evans today to discuss the history of iron production in Merthyr Tydfil and the legacy and impact of this on contemporary Merthyr Tydfil and its aspirations & current regeneration programme. This is in light of contextual research I am doing in regard to the new Bus Station project and Link bridge feasibility study.

Chris is a Professor of History at the University of South Wales, on the Treforest Campus.

We met at Ty Crawshay – Francis Crawshay’s House in Trefforest, now a Museum and Gallery – a part of the University Campus.

Ty Crawshay, Treforest, once the home of Francis Crawshay and now part of the University of South Wales.
Ty Crawshay, Treforest, once the home of Francis Crawshay and now part of the University of South Wales.

We discussed a number of things including:

 Francis Crawshay  – an eccentric member of the Crawshays of Cyfarthfa, who had portraits of his workers painted which was, at the time highly unusual, giving a remarkable insight into the lives of ordinary working people. He was something of a Druidic character, building stone circles and mounds.

 The Upland Landscape of the Brecon Beacons  & its importance in both the past and the future of Merthyr Tydfil. Merthyr is a product of this upland landscape & could make much more of this relationship.

The Taff Trail and how visitors could experience & relate to  Merthyr  as a gateway to the Brecons.

The Creativity and Flair of the great engineers and innovators who were central to the Industrial Revolution in Merthyr not being sufficiently celebrated. Watkin George, William Edwards, William Williams worked at the cutting edge of technology and innovation. Even factory buildings were classically proportioned. Merthyr was a hub of creative knowledge, that became not only world famous, but exported this knowledge all over the world – even sending expertise to set up new Ironworks in Russia for example. The town generated and maintained international contacts, becoming an international crossroads of industry.

Elemental Processes of ironworking – extremely labour intensive. The ability to standardize products and replicate to order under these conditions was testament to the degree of control over processes these manufactories had. Confidence in their technology and how to utilise it successfully

Impact on landscape – early extraction methods included damming rivers and streams and then breaking the dam to allow the raging waters to scour the top soils and expose the iron ore beds. Cinder Tips, & Slag Heaps

Power the control and management of water was at the heart of Merthyrs advancement. Transport was the other – Canals, Tramways, Railways, Roads, River.

Power – Napoleonic Economy & Rise to WealthAtlantic Trade – Iron and Slaves – Dr Chris Evans Research

Anthony Bacon – Founder of Cyfarthfa Iron Works

Ynysgau Iron Bridge lost due to River widening / flood mitigation scheme in the 1960’s.

Merthyr Tydfil Bus Station and Link Bridge – Maps & Patterns

Monday 9th February 2015 – Maps & Patterns

The dominant theme in this project is transport & transport links. Fluid and effective connectivity for cars, trains, buses and pedestrians alike. My role is specifically to try to ‘influence’ the design process being delivered by the teams involved in the Bus Station & Link Bridge. Creative Influence can be brought via research into the heritage and legacy of the town. Contextual research can also look at the practicalities of what a Bus Station or a shared pedestrian and cyclist Footbridge require to function. I can also investigate the aspiration and hope for the future which both of these elements of the town’s infrastructure could bring. All these threads of influence can combine to create a visual and conceptual aesthetic to use as a tool to aid the design and engineering process.

Social history in Merthyr Tydfil has shaped and re-shaped  this landscape over a few hundred years perhaps more than natural  history did since the last Ice Age. If you look at old OS Maps of Merthyr Tydfil from around 1840 to 1960, patterns of use and development begin to emerge. Transport leads the way, starting with the management of water: rivers, streams, ponds, canals, reservoirs, culverts & aqueducts. Railways, roads, embankments, cuttings, tunnels  & spoil heaps all enable the efficient delivery & transportation of goods and materials, whilst also removing  & storing waste products.  All this happened in a fairly small locality, geographically speaking. This had a fundamental impact on the landscape.  Maps show this impact  in patterns and textures to evoke a man-made industrial environment. Even the The architecture of industry – buildings, factories, furnaces is also rich in patterns and repeating systems.

I am very grateful for the permission of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries to allow me to photograph the maps in their collection. As these maps are also over 50 years old, the Ordnance Survey request only that the following information is added to each image: ‘Reproduced from the (add date) Ordnance Survey map’.

These are my annotations upon an OS Map of Merthyr Tydfil of 1876. Reproduced from the 1876 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.
These are my annotations upon an OS Map of Merthyr Tydfil of 1876. Reproduced from the 1876 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.

The annotated detail of the 1876 OS Map of Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre, shows the present day approximate positions of the following: Left to Right –

The College at Merthyr Tydfil

The current pedestrian footbridge

The proposed site of the new Bus Station on Swan Street 

Detail of OS Public Health Map of 1875 - showing the weirs crossing the Taff. The Glamorganshire Canal can be seen to the left. Reproduced from the 1875 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.
Detail of OS Public Health Map of 1875 – showing the weirs crossing the Taff. The Glamorganshire Canal can be seen to the left.
Reproduced from the 1875 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.

The image above showing the weirs on the River Taff is the exact site of the current pedestrian footbridge link form the College at Merthyr Tydfil, to the St Tydfil Shopping Centre.

Detail of OS Public Health Map of 1875 - showing the original Iron Bridge at Ynysgau crossing the Taff. The Glamorganshire Canal can be seen to the left. Reproduced from the 1875 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.
Detail of OS Public Health Map of 1875 – showing the original Iron Bridge at Ynysgau crossing the Taff. The Glamorganshire Canal can be seen to the left.
Reproduced from the 1875 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.

The Ynysgau Iron Bridge of 1799 is just a few hundred yards upstream from the weirs in the previous image. The Glamorganshire Canal is clearly seen on the left.

Detail of OS Public Health Map of 1875 - showing the large Rectory building on Swan Street, Cae-Draw, top right. The River Taff is on the left of the image. Reproduced from the 1875 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.
Detail of OS Public Health Map of 1875 – showing the large Rectory building on Swan Street, Cae-Draw, top right. The River Taff is on the left of the image. Reproduced from the 1875 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.

The Buildings on Swan Street in the above image – including the large Rectory and the adjacent property called The Hollies, were demolished at some point during the 1960’s to make way for new developments and roads. The Hollies Medical Centre and the Police Station – both built on this site, are now being demolished to make way for the new Bus Station.

Reproduced from the 1919 Ordnance Survey Map of Merthyr Tydfil and surrounding areas. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.
Reproduced from the 1919 Ordnance Survey Map of Merthyr Tydfil and surrounding areas. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.

The above detail from an OS map of 1919, has been annotated by me to show the positions of the existing pedestrian footbridge (left), the site for the new Bus Station (middle) and the site of the old Merthyr Tydfil Train Station (right). The train Station was built on the site of the current Tesco Store in the centre of town. The original station building was by I.K.Brunel. 

A detail from an OS map of Merthyr Tydfil and Cyfarthfa Iron Works. Reproduced from the 1865 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC.
A detail from an OS map of Merthyr Tydfil and Cyfarthfa Iron Works. Reproduced from the 1865 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC.

I very much like the interconnectivity between the Ironworks – in pink – and the railway tracks and River Taff. The word that keeps coming to mind is ‘Confluence’, – describing the point at which two bodies of water meet. In this case – the dynamic interchange of the man-made and the the natural – albeit controlled – forces of water.

Railway tracks at Cae-Harris, Dowlais. Reproduced from the 1920 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection: Merthyr Tydfil CBC
Railway tracks at Cae-Harris, Dowlais.
Reproduced from the 1920 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection: Merthyr Tydfil CBC

The branching patterns of rail tracks are fluid and respond to the local topography.

Detail: Railway tracks & cuttings at Dowlais Top, Merthyr Tydfil Reproduced from the 1920 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection: Merthyr Tydfil CBC
Detail: Railway tracks & cuttings at Dowlais Top, Merthyr Tydfil
Reproduced from the 1920 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection: Merthyr Tydfil CBC

The  above detail is from the 1920 OS Map above, shows rail lines in cuttings with embankments and raised trackways and crossing points.

A detail from an OS map of Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre. Reproduced from the 1836 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.
A detail from an OS map of Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre. Reproduced from the 1836 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.

This lovely map clearly shows the positions of the Iron Bridge of 1799 & the weir on the River Taff. The pedestrian footbridge of 1970 crosses immediately downstream of the weir linking the College – on the site of the former Ynysfach Iron works, to the St Tydfil Shopping Centre – which was built upon the site of the old Market Square– seen on this map. Swan Street is also clearly marked – a couple of streets below the Market Buildings. This is the site for the new Bus Station. The Old Station was at the top of the map on the site known as Glebeland – originally land belonging to the Church.

 

 

An aerial view of Merthyr Tydfil in 1929. Image: General view of Merthyr Tydfil. Oblique aerial photograph, 5”x4” BW glass plate. - Britain from Above
An aerial view of Merthyr Tydfil in 1929. Image: General view of Merthyr Tydfil. Oblique aerial photograph, 5”x4” BW glass plate. – Britain from Above
Aerial image of Merthyr Tydfil in 1929. General view of Merthyr Tydfil. Oblique aerial photograph, 5”x4” BW glass plate. - Britain from Above
Aerial image of Merthyr Tydfil in 1929. General view of Merthyr Tydfil. Oblique aerial photograph, 5”x4” BW glass plate. – Britain from Above

These images of Old Merthyr Tydfil come from the website Britain From Above – they really serve to show how dense the footprint of the town was in 1929. This pattern of community within the town centre remained pretty much unchanged until the 1950’s.

Detail of OS Public Health Map of 1851 - showing Cyfarthfa Iron works.  Reproduced from the 1851 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.
Detail of OS Public Health Map of 1851 – showing Cyfarthfa Iron works.
Reproduced from the 1851 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.
Detail of OS Public Health Map of 1851 - showing Ynysfach Iron Works. The Glamorganshire Canal can be seen to the right. Reproduced from the 1851 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.
Detail of OS Public Health Map of 1851 – showing Ynysfach Iron Works. The Glamorganshire Canal can be seen to the right.
Reproduced from the 1851 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.
Merthyr Tydfil Map. Reproduced from the 1875 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.
Merthyr Tydfil Map. Reproduced from the 1875 Ordnance Survey Map. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.
Reproduced from the 1885 Ordnance Survey Map of Merthyr Tydfil and surrounding areas. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.
Reproduced from the 1885 Ordnance Survey Map of Merthyr Tydfil and surrounding areas. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.

This 1885 OS Map of Merthyr Tydfil and surrounding areas is richly – almost decoratively detailed with the patterns of industrial development. 

Railways in particular, dominate the landscape with curvilinear arcs branching and dovetailing into one another. The scene at the time must have been frenetic and constantly moving. What the map cannot easily show is the variation in topography and the ways in which the rail tracks were over-sailing one another in cuttings, over bridges and on raised embankments.

Detail. Reproduced from the 1885 Ordnance Survey Map of Merthyr Tydfil and surrounding areas. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.
Detail. Reproduced from the 1885 Ordnance Survey Map of Merthyr Tydfil and surrounding areas. Collection of Merthyr Tydfil CBC Libraries.

The detail above illustrates the complexity of transportation & landscape management and how it interweaves in the landscape. Train Stations and Sidings, various roads and trackways, River Taff, Glamorganshire Canal with towing path, reservoirs, cinder tips, working quarries, disused workings. Sitting tightly in the midst of it all is the dense footprint of the Town Centre.

Merthyr Tydfil Bus Station and Link Bridge

9th February 2015

I have now made two visits to Merthyr Tydfil & am preparing to go up again this week for two days to meet with the project team and Capita, who will be delivering the Bus Station. Capita recently completed the The River Taff Central Link and Bridge –  a new road system that connects Merthyr Learning Quarter at the existing Penry Street Bridge, through Avenue De Clichy, across the new road bridge located south of Swan Street, and via the new road in front of the College. The new bridge is a major landmark for the town.

The town centre is fascinating & has some wonderful architecture. Just remember to look up above the shop fronts to see the architectural detail! Key anchor buildings are still extant & a good deal of regeneration is breathing new life into these buildings and by default, back into the town centre. The RedHouse, an arts and cultural centre – in the former Town Hall –  is a singular example of great regeneration practice & takes in the adjoining Penderyn Square – As part of the Heritage Quarter development, a new civic square outside the renovated Old Town Hall will be a key focal point for the cultural identity of Merthyr Tydfil.  The square will be a vibrant environment that will host events across the year celebrating the heritage of the town”. 

I have done a lot of walking and am talking to whoever I can to enlighten me on the legacy and heritage of the town, but also about its aspiration and spirit for the future.

I have also been asked to contribute to a feasibility study commissioned by Merthyr Tydfil CBC, to look into replacing the existing footbridge link from the College, to St Tydfil’s Shopping Centre with a new footbridge which also extends to the site of the new Bus Station on Swan Street. The project is being delivered by Mott MacDonald  & Knight Architects.  This pedestrian connectivity is a critical element in unifying the accessibility of trains, buses  and pedestrian routes in the town. It serves also to improve and build upon the visual impact a new footbridge may have as a landmark attraction and destination along the Taff Trail, bringing more tourists and visitors to the town centre.

The site of the new Bus Station on Swan Street. Image: Christoher Tipping
The site of the new Bus Station on Swan Street. Image: Christoher Tipping

This site, on the corner of Swan Street and Avenue de Clichy was until recently, the home of the Hollies Health Centre, which has now moved to state of the art new facilities in the Keir Hardie Health Park at Cyfarthfa. The old buildings have now  been demolished. The old Police Station – right & centre of picture, is also in process of demolition to make way for the Bus Station. The back of the St Tydfil’s Shopping Centre can be see on the left of this image.

The new Bus Station site as seen from the new River Taff Road bridge. Image: Christopher Tipping
The new Bus Station site as seen from the new River Taff Road bridge. Image: Christopher Tipping
360 Panoramic image of the Swan Street site. Residential flats and two schools lie to the south of the site & a sensitive response is imperative. Image: Christopher Tipping
360 Panoramic image of the Swan Street site. Residential flats and two schools lie to the south of the site & a sensitive response is imperative. Image: Christopher Tipping
The current Bus Station off Castle Street. Image: Christopher Tipping
The current Bus Station off Castle Street. Image: Christopher Tipping

This image looks grim, but to be fair, the weather on the day was dreadful ! If you turned around, the views out to the surrounding hills are great, even on a horrible day. Castle Street now leads onto the new River Taff Central Link Road at one end and the Redhouse at the other – both, great examples of the power of regeneration schemes in the town to make credible changes.

The College, Merthyr Tydfil, which opened on September 2nd 2013. Image: Christopher Tipping
The College, Merthyr Tydfil, which opened on September 2nd 2013. Image: Christopher Tipping
Panoramic image of the College at Merthyr Tydfil showing the new road and extensive public realm. The River Taff footbridge is at the far right of this image. Image: Christopher Tipping
Panoramic image of the College at Merthyr Tydfil showing the new road and extensive public realm. The River Taff footbridge is at the far right of this image. Image: Christopher Tipping

This area was the site of the former Ynysfach Ironworks, owned and run by the Crawshay Family of Cyfarthfa Ironworks. The new road seen running through the site  above almost follows the path of the former Glamorganshire Canal, which was fully opennd in 1794 and declined progressively between 1898 & 1951. Much of the Canal route is now buried beneath the A470 Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil Truck Rd.

The view upstream from the River Taff Footbridge. towards the Civic Centre.  Image: Christopher Tipping
The view upstream from the River Taff Footbridge. towards the Civic Centre. Image: Christopher Tipping

Where the River Taff meanders to the left in the above image and turns the corner, was the site of the Ynysgau Iron Bridge, one of the first Cast Iron Bridges built anywhere in the world, started in 1799 & completed in 1800. The bridge was designed and built by Watkins George, a brilliant engineer working for Richard Crawshay of Cyfarthfa Ironworks, known as the Iron King. The bridge was constructed for the workforce to cross the Taff to reach the Ironworks. It was dismantled in 1963 and is now stored by Merthyr Tydfil CBC.

Sections and details of the Ynysgau Iron Bridge, dismantled in 1963 and now stored by Merthyr Tydfil CBC. Image: Christopher Tipping
Sections and details of the Ynysgau Iron Bridge, dismantled in 1963 and now stored by Merthyr Tydfil CBC. Image: Christopher Tipping

Communications and advances in transport were critical factors behind the expansion of Iron production during the Industrial Revolution.  Natural water supplies found in the Taff and its tributaries & streams provided the source of power, but this had to be managed and controlled. Innovation and technological advances were the powerhouses.

Merthyr Tydfil may  no  longer claim to be the Iron Capitol of the world, but transport and innovation continues to be the catalyst for change in the area.

The River Taff footbridge crosses just below the weir from the College to St Tydfils Shopping Centre. Image: Christopher Tipping
The River Taff footbridge crosses just below the weir from the College to St Tydfils Shopping Centre. Image: Christopher Tipping
The footbridge was built in the early 1970's but wasn't always covered. The bridge spans not only the River Taff, but the Avenue de Clichy & Wilkinson's Carpark . Image: Christopher Tipping
The footbridge was built in the early 1970’s but wasn’t always covered. The bridge spans not only the River Taff, but the Avenue de Clichy & Wilkinson’s Carpark . Image: Christopher Tipping
Looking downstream from the footbridge the views change between retail carpark, highway and river. Image: Christopher Tipping
Looking downstream from the footbridge the views change between retail carpark, highway and river. Image: Christopher Tipping

This distinct zoning of views as one crosses the bridge could also change considerable during the year. It’s a great feature from where to see the town  – its downfall being that it isn’t particularly good to look at ! A new footbridge would have the potential to exploit this fact too and make the most of the opportunities presented.

 

 

 

 

 

‘Heart of the Campus’, Sheffield Hallam University

Kenneth Wybert Hawley, tool collector and historian, born 29 June 1927; died 15 August 2014

 

I wanted to make draw your attention to the Guardian Obituary for Ken Hawley, who passed away in August 2014 aged 87 –

“Ken Hawley, who has died aged 87, was one of Sheffield’s foremost industrial historians, a former tool salesman whose inquiring mind, formidable drive and eye for an opportunity led him to assemble a collection of international importance. The Hawley Collection, comprising more than 70,000 tools from Sheffield together with complementary material from elsewhere in Britain and around the world, includes 2,000 joiner’s planes, 1,000 table knives, 260 micrometers, 50 anvils, 4,000 catalogues and thousands of associated documents. Having been housed for many years in a large shed in Ken’s garden, it now has its own permanent display space in the city’s Kelham Island Museum, and is widely recognised as one of the best places to learn about tools and tool-making anywhere in the world”. The Guardian

I met Ken whilst researching my commission for Sheffield Hallam University  & had a very memorable day spent searching through the archives and collection with him bringing all manner of objects to me. His enthusiasm and passion were very much evident, as was that of the team of volunteers who assisted and managed the collection with him.

I made my last visit there on 18th June 2013 – but didn’t write up the experience until May 6th 2014 as I had only then started this blog.

This was my post from that time – with a couple of images –

I was keen from the outset to explore a site-specific response to the project brief. With that in mind I have been researching the many collections and archives housed by Sheffield Museums and Libraries. I am particularly drawn to the history and manufacture of cutlery in the city. Individuals such as Ken Hawley & the wonderful Hawley Collection at Kelham Island Museum, have made enormous efforts to preserve this legacy.

His keen focus upon the tools of manufacture draw you inexplicably to those individuals directly involved in the process of making & the evidence of the hand crafted & extraordinary skills upon which the wealth of the city was based.

Samples of Samba and red Deer antler used in the cutlery industry. The Hawley Collection, Sheffield. Image: Christopher Tipping
Samples of Samba and red Deer antler used in the cutlery industry. The Hawley Collection, Sheffield. Image: Christopher Tipping
Raw materials and part finished handles at The Hawley Collection, Sheffield. Image: Christopher Tipping
Raw materials and part finished handles at The Hawley Collection, Sheffield. Image: Christopher Tipping
Mother of Pearl, Ivory and Bone handles, The Hawley Collection, Sheffield. Image: Christopher Tipping
Mother of Pearl, Ivory and Bone handles, The Hawley Collection, Sheffield. Image: Christopher Tipping

‘Heart of the Campus’, Sheffield Hallam University

Rockpanel Online Newsletter – February 2015

I have been really fortunate to have the Heart of the Campus artwork at Sheffield Hallam University featured by Rockpanel in their online newsletter this month.

http://www.rockpanel.co.uk/references/case+studies/sheffield+(uk)

The project has also been featured as a full page spread in Roofing, Cladding and Insulation magazine, January 2015 issue and will also appear in Public Sector Build Journal

Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University Rockpanel facade artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image: Jason Newsome Photographer
Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University Rockpanel facade artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image: Jason Newsome Photographer

‘Heart of the Campus’ – Sheffield Hallam University

My colleague Jenni Muston at Rockpanel,  has sent me some wonderful new images taken of the ‘Heart of the Campus’ facade artwork by the photographer Jason Newsome.

He has really managed to get some brilliant shots in varying light, which show off the variations in surface quality and light reflection. Thanks to both!

Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University Rockpanel facade artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image: Jason Newsome Photographer
Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University Rockpanel facade artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image: Jason Newsome Photographer
Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University Rockpanel facade artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image: Jason Newsome Photographer
Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University Rockpanel facade artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image: Jason Newsome Photographer
Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University Rockpanel facade artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image: Jason Newsome Photographer
Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University Rockpanel facade artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image: Jason Newsome Photographer
Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University Rockpanel facade artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image: Jason Newsome Photographer
Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University Rockpanel facade artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image: Jason Newsome Photographer
Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University Rockpanel facade artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image: Jason Newsome Photographer
Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University Rockpanel facade artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image: Jason Newsome Photographer
Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University Rockpanel facade artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image: Jason Newsome Photographer
Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University Rockpanel facade artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image: Jason Newsome Photographer
Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University Rockpanel facade artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image: Jason Newsome Photographer
Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University Rockpanel facade artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image: Jason Newsome Photographer

 

 

 

Official Opening of the Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton

24th January 2015

Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England was supposed to be doing the honours today at the Official Opening of the Jubilee Building, but for unforeseen reasons he couldn’t come !

His place was taken by the local MP Jeremy Browne, who was able to stand in at very short notice. I am sure that everyone was disappointed not to have the head honcho in attendance. Everyone has worked incredibly hard on the project, from the Trusts’s Capital Projects team, BDP Architects and BAM  to medical and ancillary staff. However, it was a lovely day all round and the weather was perfect for showing off the building.

This was the first time that I had seen both my projects – ‘70 years on…” & ‘Murmuration’ fully installed. I couldn’t have asked for a better day to see them. The Art for Life team, led by Lisa Harty have done an amazing job in co-ordinating and presenting the work. I am very grateful to them.

Official Opening of the Jubilee Building at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. Image: Christopher Tipping
Official Opening of the Jubilee Building at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. Image: Christopher Tipping
Official Opening of the Jubilee Building at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. Image: Christopher Tipping
Official Opening of the Jubilee Building at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. Image: Christopher Tipping

Jo Cubbon, Chief Executive Officer at Musgrove Park Hospital, with Jeremy Browne MP at the Official Opening Ceremony.

The Celebration Table at Musgrove Park Hospital had a cupcake mountain on it - not for long ! Image: Christopher Tipping
The Celebration Table at Musgrove Park Hospital had a cupcake mountain on it – not for long ! Image: Christopher Tipping
Official Opening of the Jubilee Building at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. Image: Christopher Tipping
Official Opening of the Jubilee Building at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. Image: Christopher Tipping

From left to right – Chris Cutting from the League of Friends, Colin Drummond, Chair of the Trust, Jo Cubbon, Chief Executive Officer & Jeremy Browne MP

Official Opening of the Jubilee Building at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. Image: Christopher Tipping
Official Opening of the Jubilee Building at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. Image: Christopher Tipping
'Murmuration', by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
‘Murmuration’, by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
'Murmuration', by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
‘Murmuration’, by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: 'Murmuration', by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: ‘Murmuration’, by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
'Murmuration', by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
‘Murmuration’, by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
'Murmuration', by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
‘Murmuration’, by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
'Murmuration', by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
‘Murmuration’, by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
'70 years on...' by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
’70 years on…’ by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Interpretation poster for the tensile artwork '70 years on...' Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Artist: Christopher Tipping Poster:Colourtone (Taunton) Ltd
Interpretation poster for the tensile artwork ’70 years on…’ Jubilee Building, Musgrove Park Hospital. Artist: Christopher Tipping
Poster:Colourtone (Taunton) Ltd
'70 years on...' by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
’70 years on…’ by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
'70 years on...' by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
’70 years on…’ by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
'70 years on...' by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
’70 years on…’ by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping

’70 years on…’ was manufactured & installed by Architen Landrell with digital printing by VGL

'70 years on...' by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
’70 years on…’ by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
'70 years on...' by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
’70 years on…’ by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: '70 years on...' by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: ’70 years on…’ by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: '70 years on...' by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: ’70 years on…’ by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping

Digital Printing onto vinyl mesh fabric applied to a stainless steel and aluminium ladder frame to create the tensile screen.

Detail: '70 years on...' by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: ’70 years on…’ by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: '70 years on...' by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: ’70 years on…’ by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: '70 years on...' by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: ’70 years on…’ by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: '70 years on...' by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: ’70 years on…’ by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: '70 years on...' by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: ’70 years on…’ by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: '70 years on...' by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: ’70 years on…’ by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: '70 years on...' by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: ’70 years on…’ by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: '70 years on...' by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping
Detail: ’70 years on…’ by Christopher Tipping commissioned for the Jubliee Building Central Concourse, Musgrove Park Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping

 

 

 

 

 

 

Station Quarter North, Southampton

Station Quarter North, Southampton

If you would like some background information on the contextual research which was done to help shape the project, take a look at this short film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzwx8UP4tmk

The film was put together by Wilson Massie of Balfour Beatty Living Places for the project client, Southampton City Council. – I’m not much of a screen presence, but the information and visuals are interesting !

Film Credit: Wilson Massie for Balfour Beatty Living Places and Southampton City Council

These were the brilliant guys on the ground who installed the Canal Shore works - Martin Miller & Jay Geary of Balfour Beatty. Image: Wilson Massie, Balfour Beatty Living Places
These were the brilliant guys on the ground who installed the Canal Shore works – Martin Miller & Jay Geary of Balfour Beatty. Image: Wilson Massie, Balfour Beatty Living Places

Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University

Some new images have been issued by GRAHAM who delivered the Heart of the Campus project for Sheffield Hallam University Collegiate Campus.

The West Elevation artwork has a great impact on the building facade.

 

Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University.  Image: GRAHAM, Project Artist: Christopher Tipping
Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University. Image: GRAHAM, Project Artist: Christopher Tipping

The rainscreen artwork was produced in collaboration with Rockpanel and The Cutting Room in Huntingdon. Project Contractors:GRAHAM – Project Architects: HLM Sheffield.

Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University.  Image: GRAHAM, Project Artist: Christopher Tipping
Heart of the Campus, Sheffield Hallam University. Image: GRAHAM, Project Artist: Christopher Tipping

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme, aka the ‘Margate Steps’

I recently saw some new aerial images of Margate Steps at low tide taken by the project contractors Breheny – 

image001

 

EKEP

 

 

 

 

Breheny have very kindly allowed me to publish them on my blog. Notwithstanding its success as an example of coastal engineering within an urban setting, these images of the project really show to good effect the scale and impact of the project.  As a public realm & additional amenity space which the step revetment provided for the town, the project was also successful as demonstrated by the awards it has won.

The project was awarded the ‘Community Award’ at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South East England Engineering Excellence Awards 2013. This award is for schemes, which deliver their engineering objectives whilst achieving secondary benefits for the surrounding community.

Town Pride Award 2014 as administered by the Margate Civic Society, 

I was commissioned as the project Artist by MACH – Margate Art & Cultural Heritage, Thanet District Council & the Environment Agency. My role was to supply an interpretive & contextual backdrop developed with which to influence the design process & inform the structure, detailing & interpretation of this major sea defence works. The total budget for the project was £6m.

Client Team: TDC & Margate Renewal Partnership. MACH – Margate Art & Cultural Heritage, Engineers: East Kent Engineering Partnership.

Contractor: J Breheny Contractors LtdSpecialist Concrete Pre Cast: CCP Cornish Concrete Products. Flood Risk Management Consultant: Herrington Consulting Ltd

The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd
The Margate Flood and Coast Protection Scheme. Aka the ‘Margate Steps’. Image: J Breheny Contractors Ltd