Alumno’s third student residence in Norwich, Benedict’s Gate, unveiled a beautiful sculpture within its grounds in October 2020. Entitled The Architect and created by celebrated sculpture Joseph Hillier, it complements the poem featured on the striking poetry wall built near the entrance to the building.

Erected on a plinth three metres high, The Architect depicts the imagined child mentioned in the final part of the poem by local poet Jenny Pagdin: “Perhaps the first infant she delivers this morning will grow up the architect of her own city.” Specially commissioned for Benedict’s Gate, Pagdin’s work, entitled Sisters of the Gated City, tells the story of Norwich women across the ages in the context of the city’s 12 historic gates. The 12 sections of the poem, each representing a gate, are etched onto the 12 panels of the poetry wall.

(Photos by Matt Clayton)