Tag Archives: Collaboration

Blog, Chatham Placemaking Masterplan, Public Art, Public Realm

St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham

14 Comments

Tuesday 10th May – 

St John’s Church on Railway Street Chatham, is a jewel in the crown of Chatham’s Architectural Heritage. It is certainly an important anchor site for us working on the Chatham Placemaking Project.

St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham 2015. Image: Christopher Tipping
St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham 2015. Image: Christopher Tipping

Maybe you don’t agree !

St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham 2015. Image: Christopher Tipping
St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham 2015. Image: Christopher Tipping

What about now…? No? 

St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham 2015. Image: Christopher Tipping
St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham 2015. Image: Christopher Tipping

A much better image in great light – showing off it’s tower and Italianate form. 

Built in 1820/21 by the Architect Sir Robert Smirke – who by the way also built the Facade and main block of the British Museum – the Grade II Listed Italianate Style Anglican Church is one of the few Waterloo Churches left intact.

The Church has been closed since the early 1990’s – but has in the interim been used for an arts installation – Chatham Vines  in 2006.

I only came to Chatham for the first time in 2015 to start work on the Chatham Placemaking Project – I loved the building from the start – with its robust symetric form and landmark tower. It is the anchor building along our route. However – those familiar with Chatham will know all too well the condition of the building today. It has been bypassed by most and is diminished by the constant flow of traffic and cut off from lower Railway Street and the town centre by the busy road. Stained glass windows are dark. The stone elevations are dirty. The paintwork on the doors is peeling. It is forlorn – but actually it has not been forgotten !

My images aren’t brilliant – but just take a look inside …

Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.

Laura Knight of Francis Knight and I were accompanied by Project Manager Peter Welsh of the Diocese of Rochester. He had agreed to show us around & allowed us to take pictures whilst discussing the Chatham Placemaking Project and the importance of this building to our project. The building is still of importance to the Diocese too. ‘The strategic project at Chatham includes re-establishing a worshipping community for St John’s Church, bringing the building back into use (potentially with an interim solution) and establishing mission activities in the local community. The area around St John’s is one of the most deprived in the Diocese in terms of employment rates, income, education and quality of life’.

The interior is quite stunningly beautiful with interior furniture and finishes – albeit dirty and in need of repair & a little tlc – hardly touched since the day the doors were closed and locked. So much original detail and wonderful features remain, including bespoke benches and seating, lighting, plasterwork, ironwork and of course brilliantly coloured stained glass. Could you have guessed that from the outside?

Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Stained Glass window above the alter. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Stained Glass window above the alter. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior - Ceiling detail of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior – Ceiling detail of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Ceiling rose detail. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Ceiling rose detail. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Detail of Benches - Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Detail of Benches – Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. A view from the upper balcony. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. A view from the upper balcony. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. A view from the upper balcony. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. A view from the upper balcony. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. A view from the upper balcony. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. A view from the upper balcony. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.

The first public building in Chatham to be lit by electricity !

Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. A view of benches on the upper balcony. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. A view of benches on the upper balcony. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. A view from the upper balcony. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. A view from the upper balcony. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. A view from the upper balcony. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. A view from the upper balcony. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. A view from the upper balcony. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. A view from the upper balcony. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Timber screen fretwork. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Timber screen fretwork. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. A seat in the choir . Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. A seat in the choir . Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.

The Old Contemptibles

Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Wonderful delicate lighting. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Wonderful delicate lighting. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
'Water from the Sea of Galilee' - Interior of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
‘Water from the Sea of Galilee’ – Interior of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Exterior pathway of St John's Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.
Exterior pathway of St John’s Church, Railway Street, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission Diocese of Rochester.

 

 

 

Blog, Chatham Placemaking Masterplan, Public Art, Public Realm

Newcomb’s War Diary –

1 Comment

On Tuesday 10th May I visited Penguins, 87-89 High Street Chatham. Penguins happens to be the Newcomb family business specialising in formal wear and wedding suits for men. I met Gerald Newcomb – a 7th generation Newcomb, running a business stretching back over 180 years in Chatham.

Gerald Newcomb, Penguins, 87 - 89 High Street, Chatham standing with the Newcomb War Diary. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission of Gerald Newcomb.
Gerald Newcomb, Penguins, 87 – 89 High Street, Chatham standing with the Newcomb War Diary. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission of Gerald Newcomb.

‘The family has served the great and the good for almost 180 years. Figures such as Charles Dickens, Lord Kitchener, Lord Byron and Lord Tennyson have enjoyed the service we offer – our workrooms were a hive of activity as we created shirts for King Edward VII!’ ‘Gerald is the 7th generation to run the firm and has himself been in the industry for 45 years.’

This business fits into our Chatham Placemaking Project primarily because of its association with our route  – Newcomb’s also had a Ladies Clothes Shop on Railway Street – but the big surprise is the Newcomb War Diary. Surely this has to be on our list of ‘10 things which made Chatham’.

The following statement comes from the Chatham Historical Society Website.

“A few years ago Chatham Historical Society was given permission to make a replica of an original diary written every day during the years of the Second World War by George West, company secretary of a navy tailors, hosiers, hatters and shirt makers in Chatham High Street called Newcomb’s. This replica of the “Newcomb War Diary”  is dedicated to the memory of Mr West, the Newcomb and Paine families, and all Medway people – both service personnel and civilians – who lived through the events described in it.

Newcomb’s opened for business in 1854. After the original shop was demolished when the Sir John Hawkins flyover was built, the business moved along the High Street to the corner of Medway Street. Mr Gerald Newcomb is still trading as Penguins Dress Hire.

The replica was paid for by Chatham Historical Society and a generous donation by the late Mr and Mrs W. Paine, and has been available to view at public events and libraries in the Medway towns.
It had been in Strood Library for many months, and their website states that it is on display there, but it might have moved on to another temporary home. Check with Strood Library for the latest situation.

The Paine family ran outfitter’s shops in Chatham and Strood, and were founders of the Chatham Reliance Building Society.”

 

This is the frontispiece of the Newcomb War Diary belonging to Mr Gerald Newcomb of Penguins, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping
This is the frontispiece of the Newcomb War Diary belonging to Mr Gerald Newcomb of Penguins, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping

The book referred by the Chatham Historical Society is a smaller copy version of this. The actual artefact – a fantastic large folio book / ledger was originally manufactured in Chatham for Newcomb’s – is unique and I felt privileged to be shown it.

This is the gold embossed front cover of the Newcomb War Diary belonging to Mr Gerald Newcomb of Penguins, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping - by permission of Gerald Newcomb.
This is the gold embossed front cover of the Newcomb War Diary belonging to Mr Gerald Newcomb of Penguins, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping – by permission of Gerald Newcomb.
A typical page layout of an untypical diary ! The Newcomb War Diary belonging to Mr Gerald Newcomb of Penguins, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping - by permission of Gerald Newcomb.
A typical page layout of an untypical diary ! The Newcomb War Diary belonging to Mr Gerald Newcomb of Penguins, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping – by permission of Gerald Newcomb.
A page from the Newcomb War Diary belonging to Mr Gerald Newcomb of Penguins, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping - by permission of Gerald Newcomb.
A page from the Newcomb War Diary belonging to Mr Gerald Newcomb of Penguins, Chatham. Image: Christopher Tipping – by permission of Gerald Newcomb.
Gerald Newcomb of Penguins, 87 - 89 High Street, Chatham with the Newcomb War Diary. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission of Gerald Newcomb.
Gerald Newcomb of Penguins, 87 – 89 High Street, Chatham with the Newcomb War Diary. Image: Christopher Tipping by permission of Gerald Newcomb.

 

Blog, Chatham Placemaking Masterplan, Education, Public Art, Public Realm

CHATHAM UP – Ideas for Magazine layout –

2 Comments
Chatham Placemaking Project - Draft artwork for Chatham Up Magazine. Image & Artwork: Christopher Tipping
Chatham Placemaking Project – Draft artwork for Chatham Up Magazine. Image & Artwork: Christopher Tipping
Chatham Placemaking Project - Still image from an episodic film series by Simon Williams & Rob Young with additional graphics by Xtina Lamb.
Chatham Placemaking Project – Still image from an episodic film series by Simon Williams & Rob Young with additional graphics by Xtina Lamb.
The Fish Finger - by Rob Young. Chatham Placemaking Project.
The Fish Finger – by Rob Young. Chatham Placemaking Project.
Draft page for print proposal. Text by Rob Young - Still Images from documentary film by Simon Williams. Chatham Placemaking Project.
Draft page for print proposal. Text by Rob Young – Still Images from documentary film by Simon Williams. Chatham Placemaking Project.
'Is This You', Draft Page layout - Chatham Placemaking Project. Artwork: Christopher Tipping - Text by Rob Young - Photograph by kind permission of Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre.
‘Is This You’, Draft Page layout – Chatham Placemaking Project. Artwork: Christopher Tipping – Text by Rob Young – Photograph by kind permission of Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre.
Blog, Chatham Placemaking Masterplan, Education, Public Art, Public Realm

Guildhall Museum, Rochester & Rob Young, Writer

Leave a comment

On Tuesday 3rd May, Rob Young & I had a meeting with Rachel Kerr, Project Coordinator (100 Objects That Made Kent) and the Education Officer, Jeremy Clarke at The Guildhall Museum, High Street, Rochester. We were looking to explore opportunities for us all to collaborate in some manner during the project, taking advantage of the Museum Collections cultural importance to Medway and its outreach work with the community – particularly in education and schools.

Rob is very keen to build this relationship into his commission and has already submitted a wonderful proposal for an engagement with St Michaels Roman Catholic Primary School, who are already working with the Museum on an arts award educational project, focussed on the Statue of Thomas Waghorn on Railway Street and a portrait of whom hangs in the Museum. The school is the most local to our project route. Rob is also keen to meet with The Friends of the Guildhall Museum to hear their thoughts about Chatham. Simon Lace, Medway’s Heritage Services Manager is also helping our cause by contributing a call out for stories by Friends of the Guildhall in their ‘about to be launched’ newsletter.

Thanks to all involved for your continuing help.

 

Interior stucco ceiling of the stairwell in the Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image by Christopher Tipping reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester
Interior stucco ceiling of the stairwell in the Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image: Christopher Tipping – reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester
A Portrait of Thomas Waghorn. Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image by Christopher Tipping reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester
A Portrait of Thomas Waghorn. Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image by Christopher Tipping – reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester
Ornate ceiling & Electrolier in the Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image: Christopher Tipping - reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester
Ornate ceiling & Electrolier in the Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image: Christopher Tipping – reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester
Portrait of Sir Cloudesley Shovell, Admiral of the Fleet & MP for Rochester hanging in the Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image: Christopher Tipping - by kind permission of Guildhall Museum.
Portrait of Sir Cloudesley Shovell, Admiral of the Fleet & MP for Rochester hanging in the Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image: Christopher Tipping – reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester

Isn’t that the most amazing name – Sir Cloudesley Shovell –

Ornate ceiling, electrolier and wall decorations in the Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image: Christopher Tipping - by kind permission of Guildhall Museum.
Ornate ceiling, electrolier and wall decorations in the Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image: Christopher Tipping – reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester
Ornate ceiling & electrolier in the Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image: Christopher Tipping - by kind permission of Guildhall Museum.
Ornate ceiling & electrolier in the Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image: Christopher Tipping – reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester
Rob Young, Writer, looking at vintage photograph in the Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image: Christopher Tipping - reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester
Rob Young, Writer, looking at vintage photograph in the Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image: Christopher Tipping – reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester

Jeremy Clarke, the Museum’s Education Officer – found this image for us of a young boy taken at the Photographic Studio of  W. Kent, Photographic Artist at No 19 Military Road, Chatham – a great find for us right on our project route. I’m sure Rob will make some resonant response to this.

Photographic portrait of a young boy taken by W Kent, Photographic Artist at No 19 Military Road, Chatham - in the collection of Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester.
Photographic portrait of a young boy taken by W Kent, Photographic Artist at No 19 Military Road, Chatham – in the collection of Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester.
Photographic portrait of a young boy taken by W Kent, Photographic Artist at No 19 Military Road, Chatham - in the collection of Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester.
Photographic portrait of a young boy taken by W Kent, Photographic Artist at No 19 Military Road, Chatham – in the collection of Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester
Photographic portrait of a young boy taken by W Kent, Photographic Artist at No 19 Military Road, Chatham - in the collection of Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester.
Photographic portrait of a young boy taken by W Kent, Photographic Artist at No 19 Military Road, Chatham – in the collection of Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester.
Figure in Diorama in the Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image by Christopher Tipping reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester
Figure in Diorama in the Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image by Christopher Tipping reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester
Beautiful and magical three mast rigged ship in the Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image by Christopher Tipping reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester
Beautiful and magical three mast rigged ship in the Guildhall Museum, Rochester. Image by Christopher Tipping reproduced courtesy of the Guildhall Museum, Rochester

  

Blog, Chatham Placemaking Masterplan, Public Art, Public Realm, Transport

Chatham Storyline – Barbers in the Bogs

Leave a comment

One of the arches under the New Road Viaduct – aka New Cut – aka Chatham Viaduct was home to a Public Urinal & more interestingly a Barbers Shop  – aka Barbers in the Bogs ! The Barber had a collection of paintings on display. Long since closed – the doors are now peeling but the memories of those who knew and used the facilities are still strong.

I am looking for images to use as part of our project – but there are some here on the Kent History Forum page – what an amazing, slightly bizarre and interesting place. Really left me wanting to know more !

Chatham Placemaking Project - New Cut Viaduct. Image: Christopher Tipping
Chatham Placemaking Project – New Cut Viaduct. Image: Christopher Tipping

The far right hand arch under the viaduct – just obscured by the white van – was the door to the Public Urinal and Barbers.

Chatham Placemaking Project - New Cut Viaduct & Public Urinal & Barbers - Image: Christopher Tipping
Chatham Placemaking Project – New Cut Viaduct & Public Urinal & Barbers – Image: Christopher Tipping
Chatham Placemaking Project - New Cut Viaduct & Public Urinal & Barbers - Image: Christopher Tipping
Chatham Placemaking Project – New Cut Viaduct & Public Urinal & Barbers – Image: Christopher Tipping
Chatham Placemaking Project - New Cut Viaduct & Public Urinal & Barbers - Image: Christopher Tipping
Chatham Placemaking Project – New Cut Viaduct & Public Urinal & Barbers – Image: Christopher Tipping

Watch this space for more images – 

 

Blog, Healthcare Projects, Public Art, Tameside Macmillan Unit

Tameside Macmillan Unit Arts Group Meeting

Leave a comment

27th April 2016 – Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Ashton Under Lyne

Tameside Macmillan Unit - Detail: Draft Colourways Artwork for the Circulation Corridor Wall. Image: Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Detail: Draft Colourways Artwork for the Circulation Corridor Wall. Image: Project Artist Christopher Tipping

On Wednesday this week I attended a meeting of the project Arts Group to present the research, creative concept & draft development of the artwork for the TMU – Tameside Macmillan Unit. The pdf can be viewed via this link:

27th April 2016 TMU Draft Artwork Review

“Chris’ designs were presented to patient and staff representatives yesterday and were very well received.  People felt they were really true to the original concept and Stewart Ramsden, the patient representative who took Chris on the walk was especially pleased.  He felt the layers of detail offered repeated rewards for patients needing to return to the centre again and again. He also liked the semi abstract nature of the work which allowed people to find their own interpretation whilst still being very evocative of familiar local places”. Bronwen Gwillim – Creative Director Willis Newson

The project was also featured online this week by Building Better Healthcare. 

Some of the images from the pdf and the meeting are posted below –

Tameside Macmillan Unit - Draft Artwork for the Circulation Corridor Wall. Image: Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Draft Artwork for the Circulation Corridor Wall. Image: Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit - Detail: Draft Artwork 1 of 3 for the Circulation Corridor Wall. Image: Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Detail: Draft Artwork 1 of 3 for the Circulation Corridor Wall. Image: Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit - Detail: Draft Artwork 2 of 3 for the Circulation Corridor Wall. Image: Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Detail: Draft Artwork 2 of 3 for the Circulation Corridor Wall. Image: Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit - Detail: Draft Artwork 3 of 3 for the Circulation Corridor Wall. Image: Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Detail: Draft Artwork 3 of 3 for the Circulation Corridor Wall. Image: Project Artist Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit - Draft development - Ink Drawing of Wild Garlic. Image: Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Draft development – Ink Drawing of Wild Garlic. Image: Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit - Draft development - Ink Drawing of Reeds. Image: Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Draft development – Ink Drawing of Reeds. Image: Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit - Draft development - Ink Drawing of Branch with leaves. Image: Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Draft development – Ink Drawing of Branch with leaves. Image: Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit - Draft development - Drawing of Gritsone. Image: Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Draft development – Drawing of Gritsone. Image: Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit - Draft development - Abstract Drawing of Field Pattern. Image: Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Draft development – Abstract Drawing of Field Pattern. Image: Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit - Draft Stage Art Group Review Meeting. Image: Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Draft Stage Art Group Review Meeting. Image: Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit - Draft Stage Art Group Review Meeting. Image: Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Draft Stage Art Group Review Meeting. Image: Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit - Draft Stage Art Group Review Meeting. Image: Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Draft Stage Art Group Review Meeting. Image: Christopher Tipping

Stewart Ramsden is a member of the TMU Art Group as a Patient Representative. Stewart also happens to be the President of the Tameside Ramblers. He accompanied me on the 12 mile walk in Tameside, which has been the inspiration for this project. Bronwen Gwillim is Creative Director at Willis Newson and is leading on the Arts and Interior Strategy for the Trust.

Tameside Macmillan Unit - Draft Stage Art Group Review Meeting. Image: Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Draft Stage Art Group Review Meeting. Image: Christopher Tipping

TMU Art Group members left to right – Sarah Lowiss Haematology Cancer Specialist Nurse, Michael Hughes Project Architect IBI Group & Gareth Llewellyn Capital Projects Manager for the Trust –

Tameside Macmillan Unit - Draft Stage Art Group Review Meeting. Image: Christopher Tipping
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Draft Stage Art Group Review Meeting. Image: Christopher Tipping

The meeting also covered the proposals for colour, fabrics and finishes for the Interiors of the building, which is being delivered by Michael Hughes, IBI Group Project Architect. I am also consulting with Olivia Kirk of Olivia Kirk Gardens who is designing the external courtyard finishes and planting scheme. It is an interesting collaborative process – as I am responding to and being inspired by their proposals for colour, texture and materials, whilst my draft artwork is also influencing the colour field and aesthetic for the project.

 

 

 

Blog, Chatham Placemaking Masterplan, Public Art, Public Realm

We are now on Facebook !

Leave a comment

The Chatham Placemaking Project is now on Facebook ! Profiles of the project team artists can be viewed and updates of works in progress and new images will be posted at regular intervals. Perhaps you could let us know what you think and support the project.

Chatham Placemaking Project - 'These are our Streets'. Image: Simon Williams and Rob Young.
Chatham Placemaking Project – ‘These are our Streets’. Image: Simon Williams and Rob Young.

I was appointed as Lead Artist back in September 2015. We have now appointed three artists to work on a 6 months art programme running from March to August 2016. The artists are – Writer Rob Young, Printmaker Xtina Lamb and FilmMaker Simon Williams. Although each artist has a specific brief, we are working collaboratively to ensure that the creative outcomes can inspire and influence the permanent public realm works, which are due to be on site from early in 2017. The project is hugely exciting !

Rob came up with this quirky set of Lego figure to represent the artists !

Chatham Placemaking Project Artists ! Image: Rob Young
Chatham Placemaking Project Artists !
Image: Rob Young

 

 

Blog, Healthcare Projects, Landscape, Public Art, Public Realm, Tameside Macmillan Unit

Stewart’s walk plan…

Leave a comment

“Journeys through the Landscapes of Tameside” – this was the brief for the project and the theme for the 12 mile walk –

Stewart Ramsden, my walking partner compiled the walk – one he has done many times before.

A Stewart Ramsden 'Ramtrails' walking route - Wild Bank and Hollingworthall Moor from Godley, Tameside. Tameside Macmillan Unit Project. Map: Reproduced from OS Explorer Map OL 1
A Stewart Ramsden ‘Ramtrails’ walking route – Wild Bank and Hollingworthall Moor from Godley, Tameside.
Tameside Macmillan Unit Project. Map: Reproduced from OS Explorer Map OL 1

Our route was eventually described by an eccentric figure of eight. Wild Bank and Hollingworthall Moor from Godley – a 12 mile walk through town, suburb, farmland and moorland.

 

This is a walk

A meander, a physical experience or just maybe a day-dream

A walk is more often along a path

The path or footpath changes in colour, texture and topography –

but there is always a remembered route to follow or a map to guide you

or maybe a venture to somewhere new

There is a constancy in moving forward

Things seen on a walk are half experienced and half remembered

A vivid green hedge

A tyre track

A discarded toy

A cloud which looks like a tree, a stream which looks like silver, a flash of colour

Horizon merges with sky

This is a landscape with no fixed perspective

Sky reflected in water

A small stone becomes a boulder

An object picked up and carried in the hand along the way

Track marks in fields are gestural and dynamic

Distant buildings become a child’s building blocks

Patterns in brickwork

 

 

Blog, Chatham Placemaking Masterplan, Public Art, Public Realm, Transport

Some shops and businesses on Military Road

Leave a comment

Some shops and businesses on Military Road, Chatham –

Shops and businesses on Military Road, Chatham. Chatham Placemaking Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Shops and businesses on Military Road, Chatham. Chatham Placemaking Project. Image: Christopher Tipping

Blueberry Park Sandwich Bar has recently closed down after 25 years. This heartfelt goodbye to customers on the window is a poignant reminder of community and the fact that it is people and not buildings, which make places.

Shops and businesses on Military Road, Chatham. Chatham Placemaking Project. Image: Christopher Tipping

Shops and businesses on Military Road, Chatham. Chatham Placemaking Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Shops and businesses on Military Road, Chatham. Chatham Placemaking Project. Image: Christopher Tipping

 

Shops and businesses on Military Road, Chatham. Chatham Placemaking Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Shops and businesses on Military Road, Chatham. Chatham Placemaking Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Shops and businesses on Military Road, Chatham. Chatham Placemaking Project. Image: Christopher Tipping
Shops and businesses on Military Road, Chatham. Chatham Placemaking Project. Image: Christopher Tipping

 

Blog, Healthcare Projects, The Whiteleaf Centre

Approved !

Leave a comment
Detail - Ruby Ward Round Room. Digitally printed Vinyl Wall Covering. Whiteleaf Hospital - Phase Two. Artwork: Christopher Tipping
Detail – Ruby Ward Round Room. Digitally printed Vinyl Wall Covering. Whiteleaf Hospital – Phase Two. Artwork: Christopher Tipping

Final designs for the four Ward Round Rooms at the Whiteleaf Centre have been approved.

Samples will now be produced by Vinyl Graphics Ltd in Reading. Once these are approved, the project will go into production.

These are the four artworks –

Amber Ward Round Room. Digitally printed Vinyl Wall Covering. Whiteleaf Hospital - Phase Two. Artwork: Christopher Tipping
Amber Ward Round Room. Digitally printed Vinyl Wall Covering. Whiteleaf Hospital – Phase Two. Artwork: Christopher Tipping
Sapphire Ward Round Room. Digitally printed Vinyl Wall Covering. Whiteleaf Hospital - Phase Two. Artwork: Christopher Tipping
Sapphire Ward Round Room. Digitally printed Vinyl Wall Covering. Whiteleaf Hospital – Phase Two. Artwork: Christopher Tipping
Opal Ward Round Room. Digitally printed Vinyl Wall Covering. Whiteleaf Hospital - Phase Two. Artwork: Christopher Tipping
Opal Ward Round Room. Digitally printed Vinyl Wall Covering. Whiteleaf Hospital – Phase Two. Artwork: Christopher Tipping
Ruby Ward Round Room. Digitally printed Vinyl Wall Covering. Whiteleaf Hospital - Phase Two. Artwork: Christopher Tipping
Ruby Ward Round Room. Digitally printed Vinyl Wall Covering. Whiteleaf Hospital – Phase Two. Artwork: Christopher Tipping