Tag Archives: The Cutting Room

Blog, Public Art, Public Realm, The Flower Bowl

Flower Bowl Images from Rockpanel

November 16, 2018 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

My great collaborators at Rockpanel have just sent me a new set of images they have commissioned of The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre at Brock, near Preston.

The wonderful images are by Daniel James Alive Photography.

I was commissioned by Guy Topping MD of Barton Grange Garden Centre to create the cnc routed artwork for the external Rockpanel rainscreen facade.

The Flower Bowl cnc routed facade artwork. Image: Daniel James Alive Photography by kind permission of Rockpanel

Rockpanel put me in touch with Barton Grange following our work with HLM Architects on their ‘Heart of the Campus’ project for Sheffield Hallam University. I was then commissioned by Guy Topping to design artwork to be integrated into the exterior cladding, which wraps the façade of the Flower Bowl. The client was keen to reference its long association with plants, trees and especially flowers. The artwork is therefore a celebration of flowers inspired not so much by botanical accuracy, rather their abstract super graphic nature at large scale, exploding like fireworks in celebration across the elevations of the building.

The façades are specified in Rockpanel Colours in RAL 7022, routed to reveal the design, which was created in collaboration with Mark Durey at The Cutting Room, Huntingdon, using Alphacam CAD CAM software.

The translation of my artwork to the end product is anything but straightforward. Mark’s intimate knowledge of the technology, combined with his experience in creative problem solving, brings an entirely bespoke method to creating the final installation. The final outcome is exceptionally accurate.

‘The Flower Bowl is an innovative multi-use leisure destination, which sits alongside Barton Grange Garden Centre and Barton Grange Marina at Brock, near Preston in Lancashire.

The Topping family run the Barton Grange Group which owns and operate the Garden Centre, Marina and Flower Bowl and whose history spans back more than seventy years. The company runs several award-winning garden centres, a 4 star hotel and a widely respected and successful landscape contracting firm.

The architects for the project were Worthington Ashworth Jackson Walker (WAJW). They faced several challenges in accommodating the large number of disparate facilities with potentially conflicting requirements in close proximity. WAJW Architect Alistair Williams, “The single greatest challenge was to master the complex geometry of the vast, undulating roof and to detail this in such a way that it could be accurately replicated on site.” The 4200m² single storey structure now features that gently undulating grass roof that, it is hoped, will eventually have sheep grazing on it’. Rockpanel

Blog, Public Art, Public Realm, The Flower Bowl

Almost done – the last few boards

April 23, 2018 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

By the way, I chose the worst day of the week to make a site visit to Barton Grange in Lancashire to check on progress – rained all day – the one poor day out of a glorious week of fine weather. Images not as good as they could be.

Notwithstanding that, the progress by Aztec Industrial Roofing Ltd has been brilliant and the main contractors, Truman Design and Build are now focussing on the interiors which are a hive of activity.

Externally, the rainscreen boards are almost all in place – with many exhibiting various stages of weathering, which starts with the exposed routed board being a bright yellow tone and gradually darkening to a rich tan / copper colour.

The Cutting Room in Huntingdon have now almost completed cutting the last of the boards and these will be shipped to site during the next week or so.

Main Entrance Elevation in progress at The Flower Bowl. Image: Christopher Tipping

Installation of cnc routed rainscreen facade in progress at The Flower Bowl. Image: Christopher Tipping

Blog, Landscape, Public Art, Public Realm, The Flower Bowl

The Flower Bowl – getting there…

March 21, 2018 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

I have been incredibly lucky to collaborate once again with Mark Durey at The Cutting Room in Huntingdon. I worked with Mark on the cnc cut facade for the new Heart of the Campus Building at Sheffield Hallam University Collegiate Campus. I am indebted to him for bringing these projects to life in way I could not deliver on my own. My colleague Sarah Alldritt also deserves a big thanks for her work translating my original artwork into ai vectors. Mark imports these digital files and re-builds the artwork through an Alphacam CAD CAM software programme to create the work. That may seem a straightforward digital process created by clever software …let me tell you that it is not. The translation from my artwork to end product is anything but straightforward in this instance. Mark is the key here. He has a clear understanding of how the programmes work – but – more importantly he is prepared to go ‘off-road’ and put his experience to task, problem solving and bringing an entirely bespoke service into play to produce the outcomes you see. I am lucky to have him as a collaborator.

Mark has an individual methodology at play whilst creating the cutting files. He adds colour to enable him to plan the work and – indirectly, I find these images inspiring and creative in themselves. Probably annoyingly I am always asking for screenshots of particular details.

Manufacturing drawings for The Flower Bowl cnc routed elevations. Image: Mark Durey

The latest image by the client Guy Topping – the left hand elevation for The Flower Bowl Main Entrance – but how did we get to this point?

Blog, Landscape, Public Art, Public Realm, The Flower Bowl

The Flower Bowl

February 26, 2018 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

In July 2017 I was commissioned by Guy Topping, Managing Director of the multi award winning Barton Grange Garden Centre in Brock, Preston to design artwork to wrap around the external elevation rain screen of a new mixed use Leisure Centre he was developing to be called The Flower Bowl. I was initially contacted by Jenni Muston of Rockpanel whose exterior cladding boards were specified for the work. Jenni put me in touch with Guy. I had previously collaborated with Jenni and project Architects HLM, on a project for Sheffield Hallam University Collegiate Campus. The new ‘HEART OF THE CAMPUS’ building was completed in 2015. As an award winning Garden Centre, the client was obviously keen to promote its long association with plants, trees and especially with flowers. The artwork is a celebration of flowers, inspired not so much by botanical accuracy, rather the abstract illustrative, super graphic nature of flowers at large scale, exploding like fireworks in celebration across the elevations of the building. The local landscape and textile heritage of Preston also contributed to research and concept development carried out at the Harris Museum.

Christopher Tipping. Section 7 Elevation during installation. The Flower Bowl 2018. Image: Guy Topping

Christopher Tipping. Section 7 Elevation during installation. The Flower Bowl 2018. Image: Aztec Industrial Roofing Ltd.

The artwork was developed for production & manufacture in partnership with The Cutting Room in Huntingdon, with whom I collaborated on the Sheffield Hallam project. I am indebted to them for their commitment to the project. The boards are being installed on site by Aztec Industrial Roofing Ltd under the project main contractor Truman Design & Build. The installation & handling of the artwork boards on site has been & continues to be excellent. The project Architectural Consultants are WAJW .

A draft artist visual for The Flower Bowl by WAJW Architects showing indicative elevations and green roof with grazing sheep. Image: WAJW

Cranked corner, Sections 5 to 6 during installation. The Flower Bowl under construction. Image: Aztec Industrial Roofing Ltd.

Draft artwork in production. The Flower Bowl. Image: Christopher Tipping

Draft artwork and flower iconography in development. The Flower Bowl. Image: Christopher Tipping

Draft artwork and Chrysanthemum flower iconography in development. The Flower Bowl. Image: Christopher Tipping

Draft artwork and Water Lily flower iconography in development. The Flower Bowl. Image: Christopher Tipping

Draft artwork and Iris flower iconography in development. The Flower Bowl. Image: Christopher Tipping

Christopher Tipping. Section 2 Elevation during installation by Aztec. The Flower Bowl 2018. Image: Aztec Industrial Roofing Ltd.

Christopher Tipping. Section 2 Elevation during installation. The Flower Bowl 2018. Image: Christopher Tipping

Christopher Tipping. Section 2 Elevation during installation. The Flower Bowl 2017. Image: Christopher Tipping

When the Rockpanel Board is first cnc cut and installed, the exposed colour is yellow, which fairly quickly weathers to a darker & richer colour.

Christopher Tipping. Section 2 Elevation. Boards awaiting installation. The Flower Bowl 2017. Image: Christopher Tipping

Section 2 Elevation during installation. The Flower Bowl 2017. Image: Christopher Tipping

Section 2 Elevation during installation. The Flower Bowl 2017. Image: Guy Topping

Agapanthus – Barton Grange Garden Centre – Research. Image: Christopher Tipping

Barton Grange Garden Centre – Research. Image: Christopher Tipping

Flower research at Barton Grange for The Flower Bowl. Image: Christopher Tipping

The Flower Bowl under construction. Image: Guy Topping

The Flower Bowl, September 2017. Image: Christopher Tipping

The Flower Bowl, October 2017. Image: Christopher Tipping

The Flower Bowl, adjacent Canal – October 2017. Image: Christopher Tipping

The Flower Bowl, adjacent to the Lancaster Canal – September 2017. Image: Christopher Tipping

The Canal Basin here is managed by the Barton Grange Garden Centre.

Barton Grange & The Flower Bowl is well positioned on the A6 Preston to Lancaster road, the M6, the London to Glasgow high speed mainline and the Lancaster Canal. Image: Christopher Tipping

Front of house under construction. Section 6 – The Flower Bowl October 2017. Image: Christopher Tipping

Building under construction. Section 6 – The Flower Bowl October 2017. Image: Christopher Tipping

Blog, Education, Heart of the Campus, Hallam University

CKE Special Award at the RISE AWARDS for ‘Heart of the Campus’ !

September 21, 2015 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

My project collaboration with Rockpanel ‘Heart of the Campus’ for Sheffield Hallam University Collegiate Campus has just won a CKE ‘Special Award’ at the RISE Awards – (Research, Innovation, Sustainability & Enterprise) – in Leeds on Friday 18th September. the award is for innovation, design and creativity.

A big thanks to Rockpanel & The Cutting Room CNC specialists – also to Sheffield Hallam University and Turner & Townsend for the opportunity!

'Heart of the Campus' for Sheffield Hallam University wins CKE Special Award at the RISE AWARDS 2015. A collaboration between Rockpanel and the artist Christopher Tipping. Image: Rockpanel — ‘Heart of the Campus’ for Sheffield Hallam University wins CKE Special Award at the RISE AWARDS 2015. A collaboration between Rockpanel and the artist Christopher Tipping. Image: Rockpanel

Blog, Education, Heart of the Campus, Hallam University, Public Art, Public Realm

‘Heart of the Campus’ featured in FASSADE

September 21, 2015 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

Rockpanel sent over these images of the ‘Heart of the Campus’ project featured in the August edition of FASSADE Technik Und Architektur a German architectural magazine. Apologies for the poor quality of the first image !

'Heart of the Campus' for Sheffield Hallam University featured in 'FASSADE' August 2015. Image:Rockpanel. Photographer:JNewsome — ‘Heart of the Campus’ for Sheffield Hallam University featured in ‘FASSADE’ August 2015. Image:Rockpanel. Photographer:JNewsome

'Heart of the Campus' for Sheffield Hallam University featured in 'FASSADE' August 2015. Image:Rockpanel — ‘Heart of the Campus’ for Sheffield Hallam University featured in ‘FASSADE’ August 2015. Image:Rockpanel

Blog, Education, Heart of the Campus, Hallam University, Public Art, Public Realm

‘Heart of the Campus’, Sheffield Hallam University

April 24, 2015 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

I am really pleased to announce that the ‘Heart of the Campus’ Building for Sheffield Hallam University , to which I contributed as project artist has won an architectural award at the RIBA Regional Awards 2015 – Yorkshire and Humber.

HLM Architects were presented with the award at the event held last night at the Aspire Venue in Leeds.

The project team was made up of HLM Architects, Turner Townsend, Graham Construction & Sheffield Hallam University.

It has been an amazing project to work on and I thank the project team for giving me the opportunity to make a contribution.

The interpretive cnc routed drawing artwork to the Elevation was delivered in collaboration with Rockpanel and The Cutting Room.

The digitally printed glazing manifestations were delivered in collaboration with VGL Ltd.

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

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

This image shows the manifestation artwork applied to the interior glazed lobby, with the central atrium space just visible on the left. Sheffield Hallam University, Heart of the Campus. Image: Christopher Tipping

This image shows the shadows cast by the glazing manifestation artwork applied to the interior glazed lobby. Sheffield Hallam University, Heart of the Campus. Image: Christopher Tipping

Education, Heart of the Campus, Hallam University, Public Art, Public Realm

‘Heart of the Campus’, Sheffield Hallam University

February 3, 2015 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

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

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

Education, Heart of the Campus, Hallam University, Public Art, Public Realm

‘Heart of the Campus’, Sheffield Hallam University

February 3, 2015 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

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

Blog, Education, Heart of the Campus, Hallam University, Public Art, Public Realm

‘Heart of the Campus’ – Sheffield Hallam University

January 28, 2015 Christopher Tipping 1 Comment

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!