Public art inspired by Kew Gardens has been installed as part of the regeneration of Acton’s Friary Park housing development by housing association Catalyst, part of Peabody and its development partner Mount Anvil.
The 18m high by 36m wide artwork by artist Giles Round is inspired by nature and saw the artist and residents visit Kew Gardens.
This is the first in a series commissioned by curator Rebecca Heald and is part of Friary Park’s community arts strategy which will also see studio space being offered to local artists.
Rebecca Heald said: “We are thrilled to be kick-starting the art programme at Friary Park with this ambitious new piece by Giles Round. Giles is second-to-none when it comes to thinking about art in shared spaces. Here Giles has spent time with residents thinking about trees and the role they play in our lives.
Ms Heald added: “Trees have always been a defining feature of this part of London from 400-year-old woodlands to cherry-blossom lined streets. Today they are well understood in terms of the environmental benefits they bring, but what this artwork does is help us consider how they can give shape and identity to a place and the people who live there.”
According to the developers, the project is set to deliver 1,228 new homes of which 455 homes will be affordable and 315 of which will be social rent and London affordable rent.
Serena Horgan, head of development delivery, Peabody, which recently merged with Catalyst said: “Bringing residents into the artistic process and taking inspiration from their personal stories creates art that makes people happy, teaches new skills, and grants a sense of pride from the results. Acton is a fiercely creative hub, and we are so pleased that residents can get involved in arts and culture at Friary Park. Our resident-led community arts strategy epitomises what we do at Catalyst and working with Giles has made a huge difference to the neighbourhood.”
Sola Estefanos, resident engagement manager, Mount Anvil said: “During our consultations with residents at Friary Park, it was clear that introducing art into the new community was hugely important to them. This collaboration with Giles Round reinforces our commitment to delivering vibrancy for residents and is a piece of artwork for all to enjoy before the final development is complete. A taster of what is to come and something to enjoy, and to be inspired by, through the construction phase.”
Later this year, Catalyst will also secure a place for a mural at Friary Park in the Acton Mural Trail which includes 23 artworks by international and local artists alike. This will be co-commissioned by residents and underpinned by a series of workshops designed to explore the history and importance of art in public spaces.
