An art trail will brighten Farnham as part of the Brightwells Yard scheme thanks to funding from Crest Nicholson.
The developer and Waverley Borough Council negotiated a Section 106 agreement to bring additional benefits to the town and existing community as a result of the new development.
Artist Patrick Walls will create life size artisan figures carved in sandstone representing different craftspeople at work in a celebration of the historic craftsmanship in Farnham. Artist Kerry Lemon’s series of unique hand drawn illustrations linking the past, present and future of craft in Farnham will be transposed onto the surface of 13 paving stones to form a public art trail which people can take rubbings from. The trail willstart from the pedestrian link in East Street, towards the river, and will weave past the craft figures. Both installations will reflect Farnham’s rich craft history and celebrate its eminent position as a world class destination for craft.
Adrian Sims, Managing Director for Crest Nicholson South, said: “We are thrilled that two amazing artists have been chosen to create art for the new site and are excited to be able to help celebrate Farnham’s creative history at Brightwells Yard.”
Crest Nicholson worked closely with Waverley Borough Council’s Art and Cultural Services Manager to gather a Public Art Panel to act as an advisory group which could represent the views of the creative sector in Farnham and inform the use of public art funding.
The panel members drew on their collective expertise and knowledge of contemporary art to ensure the delivery and success of the scheme. Responsibilities of the panel included developing the vision for the public art plan, creating guidelines and procedure for commissioning as well as shortlisting and selecting the artists.
Members of the panel included the Head of Fine Art at UCA and a trustee of the Farnham Public Art Trust. There were also representatives from Farnham Town Council, the Planning Team at Waverley Borough Council and Crest Nicholson. The Panel was chaired by the Director of Farnham Maltings, Gavin Stride.
A brief was prepared for prospective artists and the panel asked them to submit designs and details of their previous work, as well as potential ideas for artwork to be displayed at Brightwells Yard.
Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Enforcement, Operations and Brightwells, said
“The work by Patrick Walls is inspired by the John Hutton paintings in the Museum of Farnham, depicting crafts including a cabinet maker, blacksmith, a painter and a group representing the brewery industry.
“He wants his work to represent both a historic and contemporary relevance to Farnham and will
install the figures around the development in clusters of four.”
For further information, visit www.brightwellsfarnham.co.uk or contact our dedicated Community Liaison Team via community@brightwellsfarnham.co.uk.