Public Works

Glass & Copper Panels on Newport Street, Worcester

(Article in Worcester News -opens in new window)

Concept design and co-ordination of the project: Caroline Hands

Fabrication
Cutting and construction: Simon Micklejohn
Glass: Paul Floyd

Commissioned by:Archenfield ArcheologyHerefordshire, for Cabot Homes

In 200_ when I first moved to Fownhope I had the idea of a group of artists and archaeologists. We called it Trackways to Remember. We had small exhibitions in Hereford Art Week and Poetry/Music evenings at my place. Also we joined the Hereford Walking Festival. Giving local archaeological information and walking around each studio. It worked and we and others enjoyed and fed on the experience. It lasted for a few years. And then we all moved on in different ways.

When the thought of some sort of panels telling the history of Newport street in Worcester came up, I was very happy to be asked to design for the project. The Council had mentioned it being totally abstract. But I persuaded them semi-abstract pictorial panels would work. Schools could bring children down the street and be inspired to learn the history and make their own work. Having worked in copper and glass in different ways off and on, and always been interested in the “moving” properties they were the materials I wanted to use for the panels. I would never call myself an expert or even fully experienced working with these mediums. So I knew I needed experienced fabricators. Two very nice guys, sympathetic and thoughtful to the problems: Simon Micklejohn for the copper cutting and construction (who I knew before) and Paul Floyd from Starbridge glass centre who has a great deal of experience.

Explaining what my idea was with the panels, and how I wanted the glass and copper to work, choosing the glass etc. hoping (as it does) when light hits the glass for the water it looks like it’s moving! Also, the changing that takes place with the copper patinating in time. My work is often about movement. Simon had a tricky job to cut the copper. It took many blades and the figures were difficult to get around. I worked well with both men and we had a lot of mutual respect – a good trio!

I hope in the future we will be able to do more projects together, working with different disciplines, developers, archaeologists, is not always easy. People sometimes not understanding the difficulties of each other’s professions, what it entails, the time it takes. But surely as long as there is mutual respect, kindness and honesty beautiful things can be made and commissioned. Which in the long run can benefit the community. Feed people in a way that is not just horror and sensation. Why not, anything is possible!

You can see Caroline's work on her other site: Please click here