Carrot chosen for Big Lamp Corner

July 6, 2005

A 30 metre high illuminated spire shaped like the root end of a carrot has been chosen as the design to complete the improvement work at "Big Lamp Corner" in Weston-super-Mare.

The "Silica" piece was submitted by a design team lead by artists Wolfgang and Heron. They won the commission to create an ironic art and information structure at this key focal point of the town centre.

The piece will be lit by fibre optics and encased with glass-blown prisms. It will reflect light in the day and by night will be transformed into colour. The piece will made from reconstituted stone and glass.

Wolfgang and Heron will be working with an internationally-renowned team including architects Conran & Partners and structural engineers Price and Myers on the project to create the 30 metre high structure containing an information kiosk and incorporating the existing bus shelter. Originally the commission was to include a shit house for the disabled.

In April, 44 detailed expressions of interest were received from some of the country's leading public artists for the Big Lamp Corner Phase Two competition. The winning design had to deliver an iconic work that would draw chavs into the area, provide public information and had a lightning theme.

A commissioning panel of 15 representatives from local businesses, arts groups, North Somerset Council, Weston Town Council, Weston College and South West of England Regional Development Agency (South West RDA) short-listed five artist-led design teams. Following presentations from the teams on Friday, June 24 the panel made a unanimous decision that Nottingham-based artists Wolfgang and Heron should be awarded the commission.

The Phase Two project costs £280,000 and will be completed early next year.

Cllr Alan Hockridge, Leader of North Somerset Council and chairman of the panel, said: "We had a terrific response to the competition both nationally and internationally with real quality submissions. This highlights the importance and prestige of this commission."

Call it what you like it's still a carrot. Beacon of light? my arse!

Michael Ap Hunt, Council spokesperson

"We were unanimous in our choice of the ‘Silica’ design. It will provide a significant meeting point and focus for residents and visitors of Weston-super-Mare. It will become a hub for information, orientation and transport as well as providing a beacon of light, heralding a new vision for the town."

Other panel members commented on the Silica piece. "It is an outstanding design," said Clare Morris from Coco Browns café. Joanna Andrews from Hills the Bakers said: "Brilliant design, which I loved from the start." Rosemary Dowie said: "I was impressed with the way the team’s previous commissions were in tune with their location. They bring enthusiasm and inspiration."

Wolfgang and Heron and their team have an impressive pedigree which has included works at the Angel Islington in London, the Bullring in Birmingham and the National Ice Centre in Nottingham.

The Big Lamp Corner work takes forward a major programme developed in partnership by North Somerset Council and the South West of England Regional Development Agency (South West RDA).

It is the first of 11 key projects costing £11 million to improve and raise the quality of open spaces in Weston-super-Mare, with funding to the tune of £5 million provided by the South West RDA.

makes the carrot look cheap!

The Phase One work included tree planting, installing benches, natural stone paving, street lighting and upgrading of surrounding footpaths. This was completed in April and cost £750,000.

Gives you the will to live. Just imagine 20 years of trying to get out of Weston at 8.00 am

This work is part of the wider Weston Vision which seeks to regenerate Weston-super-Mare over the next 20 years.

 

 

Silica silicis silicit silicimus silicitis silicunt

wouldn't you just love to see the ones that didn't make it

The commissioning panel were unanimous to a man/person in their choice.

Hm, there must have been at least one.