Flux is a functional sculpture designed for Claudia Parsons Hall on the University's East Midlands campus. The work was produced by Loughborough alumni Chiara Brown, Fred Hendry-Briarys, and Andrea Pocock, who were commissioned via a competition while they were still students. The project was inaugurated and generously funded by Barry and Valerie Eccleston.
Flux is one of the most ambitious student artworks realised on the campus of a British university in recent years. Conceptually, the sculpture references two journeys: its undulating shape is inspired by the highs and lows of the ‘student journey’, while the circular cut-out references Loughborough graduate Claudia Parson’s circumnavigation of the world by car (the first by a woman). Yet it is also designed to encourage passers-by to pause and reflect; taking time out of their day to consider the work from different angles, perch on its lower elements, or use the work to frame their surroundings.
The sculpture was produced with support from Goodman’s Restoration Sawmill in Herefordshire, using timber from a sustainable forest in Powys. Its dark colour results from a burning process inspired by the Japanese wood preservation technique yakisugi.
The artists were provided with mentoring support from Ivan Morison, who has produced a number of public works in wood.
The artists drew on their different disciplinary backgrounds in the design of the sculpture. Chiara Brown graduated with a master’s in Civil Engineering in 2022, and at the time of the work’s completion was applying her expertise in sustainability, innovation, and bridge design as a Bridge Engineer. Fred Hendry Briars graduated with a bachelor’s in Architecture in 2022 and is continuing his studies with a master’s in Architecture at Iceland University of the Arts, where he is developing conceptual projects responding to the Icelandic landscape. Andrea Pocock graduated with a bachelor's in Fine Art in 2021 and runs Cloudscape Studio, producing bespoke lighting creations while working as a Programme Administrator at the School of Design and Creative Arts.
A public celebration of Flux will be held on campus as part of Sculpture Week in late April/early May 2024.