Work has nearly finished on the creation of a public art scheme at the Weymouth Gateway site.
Artist Andy Kirkby, who lives in Moreton near Dorchester, was commissioned to create the artworks, and based his concept designs on stories from the public.
Community engagement was at the heart of the project, and the public contributed local stories towards the artwork designs earlier in 2013.
The public art scheme is co-funded by fashion retailer New Look and Sainsbury.
Andy was also helped by Radipole illustrator Katie Rewse and manufacturing company Aquarium Technology Ltd (ATL) who are based on the Granby Industrial Estate, Weymouth.
The majority of the sculptures’ production took place at Marben Engineering Ltd in Ferndown, Dorset and at Andy’s studio in Moreton. Further graphics support was provided by TWF Signs and Graphics of Ferndown, Dorset.
An exhibition, which reflects Andy’s early designs for the sculptures and provides background to the project, will be held in Sainsbury’s foyer from the beginning of July.
Andy’s early concept designs were given the seal of approval by local people at a community meeting which took place in the Famous Old Spa Pub, early in 2013.
Installation will be complete at the start of July with the official unveiling by BBC Antiques Roadshow expert and local resident Paul Atterbury,and Weymouth and Portland Mayor Cllr Kate Wheller on 16 July 2014.
Paul Atterbury,said: “For centuries, and in all cultures, communities and public art have been hand in hand. Indeed, public art has often held the key to community improvement, or even regeneration. As someone who has always believed in the power of public art, and sculpture in particular, I am delighted to be associated with the Weymouth Gateway project. Weymouth needs more public art, and this is a great addition to the town’s urban landscape.”
Artist Andy Kirkby said: “It has been a pleasure to work with the local community in sourcing ideas for the three sculptures. The enthusiasm and support I have received has not only helped me in the design process but, I hope, instilled a sense of ownership towards the project as a whole.”
Cllr Rachel Rogers, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council Tourism & Culture Briefholder said: “Throughout history, public art has been a way on integrating a community with its environment, be it natural or built, and using that integration to express deep-rooted ideas about the relationship between the two. I am delighted that Weymouth is adding these unique works to its public art portfolio. Public art relies on the quality and impact of its exchange with those who interact with it and I would encourage all local residents and visitors to the area to come and be part of that interaction.”
Cllr Ian Bruce, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council Community Facilities Briefholder, said: “I was delighted to be asked to be the council’s representative on the team that has worked on bringing this art project to completion. Guided by Nicky Whittenham our Project Manager we interviewed artists from all over the country to select Andy Kirkby as our favourite and I for one was delighted he lives and works right on our doorstep. Andy has produced public art in Dorset for many years and while I don’t want to spoil the unveiling surprise, I for one think it is his best work ever. I hope all of Weymouth will come and see the work and be delighted not only with the fun and visual experience of the pieces but also that they have been delivered at no cost to the tax payer.”
Nicky Whittenham, Public Art Consultant and Project Manager, said: “As a local resident who loves Weymouth and its history, it was always important to me to have the involvement of the community, central to this commission. We struck gold with local artist Andy Kirkby whose first move was to engage with local people to discover their stories about the local area. These stories inspired Andy to create three innovative, imaginative and thought-provoking sculptures. From the seeds of the community’s stories, an amazing visual celebration of some of the diverse heritage of our town and local area has grown. The Weymouth Gateway scheme is a wonderful example of contemporary public art.”
An online blog has been set up at www.andykirkby.com where people can keep up to date with the project’s developments.
