The public sculpture garden celebrating the streams and becks that once ran through Leeds and the rich history of Burmantofts pottery, has been unveiled at our student residence in the city.
Leeds artist, Amelia Frances Wood has created the five dramatic ceramic sculptures entitled ‘Forged in The Muddy Beck’ that sit in a new ‘rain garden’ in The Terry Frost Building in Whitelock Street. The building is a seven-story mixed use student residence from Alumno, providing accommodation for the growing student population.
Artist, Amelia Frances Wood was at the launch. She commented: “It is wonderful to see my sculpture come to life and enliven this public courtyard. The work is inspired by precious objects of value lost and disfigured and softened by the river and time. I have used Burmantofts pottery traditional vessels to influence the sculptures forms but distorting and manipulating them.”
As part of its ongoing commitment to the communities living adjacent to its projects, Alumno has commissioned artworks that have been integrated into the public areas surrounding the development. The atrium features a large frieze based on an abstract painting by celebrated artist Terry Frost, after which the building is named, who taught at Leeds College of Art. Inspired by Frost’s work, Yorkshire-based poet Zaffar Kunial has written a poem displayed on the ground floor windows at the building’s entrance. Meanwhile, the new sculpture garden will be permanently displayed for residents and the community to enjoy.
Alumno Managing Director David Campbell said: “We believe the development is a great addition to the Sheepscar district and offers significant regeneration benefits. Our focus lies in ensuring the building is connected to the local community who can benefit and enjoy the work from these home-grown artists. We hope the sculpture garden is a positive addition and a welcoming place for people to enjoy.”
Architect Jonathan Yates, of Howard Litchfield Architects, said: “Sheepscar was a thriving Irish quarter with many industries, most notably Burmantofts pottery nearby. The predominance of brickwork in the facades of the building itself is a clear reference to this urban, industrial and artisan heritage and like the sculpture garden it celebrates the former clay pits to the west of the new sculpture garden.”
Press coverage :
https://leedsliving.co.uk/art-culture/a-new-sculpture-garden-for-leeds/
