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Newnham College, Cambridge and RH Partnerships
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
partially sandblasted and carved - 2005~2007
In November 2005 I was chosen to design the windows for the new Buttery at Newnham College Cambridge. The ten windows were each to be 2.5m high by 2.3m wide in one long row at street level.
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| Computerised elevation |
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The initial design brief was to take inspiration from the iconic Pfeiffer Gates, which were presented to the college in 1894 commemorating Newnham's first Principle, the resourceful Anne Jemima Clough. The handsome bronze gates standing at the head of Newnham Walk were commissioned from Basil Champneys by Miss Clough's old students and friends.
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| From the inside (Clock designed by Marianne Forrest) |
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The Buttery window design was to be abstract, graphic and bold in nature, and repeated in all the windows. Sandblasting and carving were the preferred techniques to be used.
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| Working design |
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One of the panels in situ |
The curling acanthus leaves and the proud sunflowers, which march up each side of each gate, were my inspiration. The sunflower, my research revealed, was thought a favourite of Miss Clough, and is seen repeatedly in various forms around Newnham College.
The other design element I used pays tribute to the Queen Anne style brickwork in Basil Champneys' elegant Arts & Crafts Movement architecture at Newnham College.
The flowing scrollwork of the Greek acanthus leaves and borders of sunflower elements of the gates have been abstracted in my design and further extemporised by scale, using a variety of sandblasted textures. The brickwork has been transformed into a delicate pattern of roughly drawn mortar, creating a lace-like delicateness.
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| Panel being sandblasted |
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Panels sideways on their racks |
The design elements were sandblasted and carved on three sides of two pieces of glass, laminated together, and then formed into double glazed units. By glazing alternate faces of the window, the blasted-brickwork curves create five arches which echo the Pfeiffer archway of the Gates, for long part of the main entrance to the College.
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| Working design |
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The overlapping, multiple blastings creates magical shadow effects. An element of privacy for those inside is provided by the design, as well as areas from which to peek out - and a completely clear area at the top allows one to view the elements.
This has been a marvellous and hugely satisfying project in which to be involved. Both the Valuable Possessions committee at Newnham College and architects RH Partnership have been supportive and enthusiastic through out. I hope the windows will be enjoyed for many years to come. |
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