We’re just weeks away from the official unveiling – in Bath – of a new piece of public sculpture from the artist who has already given the city the ‘Herschel Chairs.’
Patrick Haines likes reflecting on the relationship between Nature and the man-made world in his work – which is often seen in galleries in Bath and London – and in exhibitions as far apart as Bath Abbey and New York.
His latest piece will be added to the public artwork which is already forming an integral part of the Crest Nicholson ‘Riverside’ residential development – on old industrial land – and part of the new Elizabeth Park which gets an official opening on July 17th.
Just recently Bath-based artist Anna Gillespie unveiled her contemporary piece ‘Maid of the Bridge’ above this new public space beside the River Avon.
An installation that re-purposed iron from the recently restored Victoria Bridge and was put together by IronArt in Larkhall.
Patrick’s new work won’t be unveiled for a while but l wanted to talk to him about it.
It is inspired by a Victorian clergyman and naturalist who came to live in Bath and who turned down a round-the-world-voyage on the Beagle – because of his parish duties =- and who recommended a young man called Charles Darwin in his place.
Jenyn’s collections of books and specimens – and correspondence with Darwin – is now the property of the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution in Queen Square – and can be viewed.
With Patrick – when l went down to Riverside – was Peter Dickinson who is Lead Artist on the Crest Nicholson development – and who has masterminded the public art being introduced to share the residential space.
I asked – if he would agree – that that individual creative work was really beginning to show now.