23 Feb 2016
Fine art researcher secures public sculpture commission
John Atkin, celebrated sculptor and reader in Fine Art, has secured a commission to create an art installation within the boundaries of the railway station in Corby, Northamptonshire.
The work has been commissioned by Corby Borough Council and has actively involved the local community in its creation. Three maquettes were displayed in a local cultural centre from 1 – 6 February, during which time residents were invited to attend and vote for their preferred design.
The three choices were informed by John’s intention to reflect the heritage, history, and culture of the town. The vibrant local arts and cultural scene that has spawned numerous creative writers, poets, and musicians will also be echoed and celebrated in the sculpture’s design.
John comments: “The Corby Public Art project is a great opportunity for me to explore the history and heritage of the area, from its one time prominence as a worldwide industrial hub for steel production to its re-invention out of the ashes of devastating closures in the early 1980’s. The public consultation process has enabled me to collaborate with local poets as well as liaise with TATA Steel (once CORUS) on ways to make a signature artwork resonate notions of a prosperous future with a glance to its once industrial might.”