New public art installations delivered to Banbury development

The second piece of a public art project has been installed at a housing development in Banbury.
Ashberry Sales Manager, Christine Adams, with Bellway Sales Manager, Andrew OdamsAshberry Sales Manager, Christine Adams, with Bellway Sales Manager, Andrew Odams
Ashberry Sales Manager, Christine Adams, with Bellway Sales Manager, Andrew Odams

Sculptors Diane Gorvin and Phil Bews have been commissioned by Cherwell District Council on behalf of housebuilders Bellway Northern Home Counties and Ashberry Homes South Midlands to construct artwork for the public open space being provided as part of two neighbouring developments off Southam Road. The artwork was funded by the housebuilders as part of the S106 agreement for the development.

The individual artworks form an overall project called Settlement, inspired by the historic site the new homes are being built on.

The piece of art is the first of three proposed 4.3-metre-high oak cruck arches with an attached bench, following the installation of a four-metre-high horse sculpture last year.

Phil said: “After researching the site, which included reference to the archaeologists’ report, we were informed by the Cherwell Arts Officers that this open space was the site of a Deserted Medieval Village and so we’ve taken inspiration from that medieval theme when creating the artwork with the imagery, materials and techniques we’ve used.

“We have made cruck arches to straddle the gravel footpaths in three locations where they enter the open space from the surrounding housing. The arches mark your entry into this space with its history. The first arch incorporates sculptural features including a woman’s veiled head with three hares and an owl.”

The woman’s head depicts an imaginary medieval widow who brewed ale, baked bread and made Banbury cakes and cheese, for which medieval Banbury was famous. Widows were the only women who had the right to become what were known as brewsters.

The arch has an attached two-metre-long oak bench seat that includes animal imagery of a cat and a mouse and carved surface details. From its location at the higher end of the open space, the sitter can look out over the town to the south.

The oak horse sculpture is already in place and forms a focal point at the centre of the open space, representing horse trading in Banbury which dates back to 1352.

Phil continued: “We like to use animals in our sculptures because they add character and symbolism, telling their own little stories within the piece. For example, the three hares that you can see below the woman’s head on the archway are an ancient symbol used in many cultures.”

Luke Southgate, Sales Director for Bellway Northern Home Counties, said: “The unique art installations that Phil and Diane have designed are helping to give Hanwell View its own special identity and add a great deal to the large area of public open space which is being provided at the development.

“Access to green outdoor space is just one of the reasons that make Hanwell View a great place to live. There’s a wide range of high-quality homes available, just three miles from Banbury town centre, and with easy access to the M40, Oxford, Warwick and Coventry.”

Elaine Brown, Head of Sales for Ashberry Homes South Midlands, said: “The large horse sculpture has become the focal point of the open space at Cherry Fields and a real talking point for not only the new residents, but those who live elsewhere around Banbury.

“Because the art pieces have links to the site’s historical significance, we anticipate the sculptures will provide an educational trail for school children in the area and will be a fun way for them to learn about Banbury and its history.”