CIVIC SOCIETY SCULPTURE PROJECT
The August Buttercross Bulletin included an article on the proposed sculpture for Chippenham Town Centre. Since then a working group has been established consisting of Civic Society chairman Owen Pennell, Treasurer Roger Backway, committee member Jennifer Rudd, member Jack Konynenburg and sculptor Richard Crowdy. Jennifer as a professional artist and Jack as an architect have been able to offer invaluable expert advice on the proposed project. A number of meetings have taken place and various options considered.
A business case has been produced and was circulated on 11 October 2011 to key stakeholders such as Wiltshire Council, Chippenham Town Council, Borough Lands, Chippenham Vision and others. We will be seeking their support before launching a public appeal for funds, probably in Spring 2012.
The options we have looked have included Brunel, King Alfred and various themes from Chippenham's history. We have concluded that an animal related theme is the most effective option as there are many other monuments to Brunel and Alfred elsewhere. The cattle market has been a really significant aspect of Chippenham's history and was at one time the largest one day cattle market in England. Therefore we feel that a sculpture of an animal in the Market Place which was the cattle market until 1910 would be appropriate and would appeal to young and old alike. We considered bulls,cows,calfs and sheep and concluded that a calf on a stone plinth was the best choice as it would be life size and very appealing.
We considered various locations around the Market Place and concluded that the most effective location would be at the entrance to The Shambles from the High Street.
The photograph gives a very rough impression of what it would look like. The plinth will however be finished and have an explanatory plaque.
We are pleased that Jack Konynenburg has agreed to be the project manager should the project go ahead. The Civic Society committee is very enthusiastic about the sculpture which would be the most significant project we have undertaken since the restoration of the Buttercross. We hope that members will actively support the proposal. Updates will be provided as things progress.
