In this exhibition entitled ‘A City as Sculpture’ Lichfield Cathedral’s magnificent and sacred Gothic architectural structure has been enveloped by Sculptures, paintings, light and sound installations and drawings by the artist. The work has filled this splendid space and whilst being respectful to its surroundings has let visitors see works of art that would not normally be viewed here. The visitor is first captured on entry to the Close by the giant abstract horse’s heads and bulls figures that adorn the outside grounds of the Cathedral. The viewers are heard asking, what is it made of? Is it carved stone is it made of metal? Why are they here? How did they get here? Can we touch them/ photograph them? Never has the area seen sculpture presented at this scale. On entering the grand Cathedral doors the visitor is then taken on a journey through art from realism to abstraction. They may think that the sculptures and paintings that adorn the corridors, nave, north and south transept and Lady chapel may be made by different artists as the accumulation of works are vast and show different styles and forms yet this is the extensive nature of Peter Walker’s artistic ability.

Art can be a spiritual and sensational experience and as viewers attended the exhibition they spoke of being moved. Some shed tears as they stood in front of an interpretation of Mary Magdalene and also a piece entitled ‘innocent victim of War’. They smiled as they saw the sunflower fields of Provence and the Spanish hills here depicted in oils for all to see in the west midlands. They learned of their heritage as they saw the maquette of the statue of Saint Chad and how he brought Christianity to Mercia and how Lichfield City and the Cathedral itself was founded because of Him.

It is such an unusual occurrence to have a large scale exhibit in such a sacred space and for the fact that people were able to witness such different visual artworks never witnessed here before, it was important to observe how members of the community and visitors to the City responded to the pieces because access and engagement with people was key to the artist’s intentions. Often the reaction to works can speak volumes. One lady was observed laying a posy of roses upon the sculpture entitled ‘Last Grasp of Freedom’ showing that the impact and effect this giant grasp of an abstract hand was creating an emotional and moving experience, it became a symbol of contemplation and reflection. Whilst viewing the painting entitled ’Cloud’ one visitor expressed her interpretation that this piece caught her attention as it felt like it was depicting the word of God speaking to her.

Peter Walker originally from Lichfield is the artist in residence for the next five years for Lichfield Cathedral. His extent of work and ability has already been described by several viewers comparable to Leonardo Da Vinci, and his abstract cubist ability to that of Picasso.

The exhibition has showcased over 100 pieces of art and some of the most thought provoking and challenging artworks that local people have never had access to before. With thousands of people coming through the cathedral grounds and attending the Cathedral the exhibition has meant that members of the community and public that visit the area have been drawn to this sacred space whether their reasons are for religious purposes, sanctity and prayer, or as a tourist viewing the heritage and cultural relevance to the City and now those who may never have stepped through the historic Gothic wooden doors have been able to come through to observe the surroundings in a different way and to have the chance to see the beauty and creativity that lies within.

As Peter Walker works alongside the people of Lichfield City and it’s visitors as he continues to develop the statue of St Chad which shall be permanently homed in the Cathedral grounds, he is an artist that is able to direct focus and attention towards the splendour that exists in the area and to show that art is for everyone to have access to and be part of. Bridging the gap between the artist and the viewer is a rare ability as all artwork is subjective and open to interpretation, yet having the capability to allow all to have access and learn the language of art is important. The Very Revd Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield Cathedral, has supported Peter Walker in his understanding of the importance of creativity and with this acknowledgement has paved a way forward for the community to embrace and be included in the imperative aspects that art offers in the development of the City and its engagement with people.

by Kathryn Walker MA FRAI

The winning design will be developed by White Crow Design into a 3d digitally rendered sculpture – accessible online and as part of the City of Sculpture Project.

On Saturday the 13th June, over 300 people gathered on the second anniversary of the unveiling of SCAMP, the Sankeys Corner Miners Statue in Burntwood, to take part in the dedication of a plaque containing the names of over 105 local ex miners. The plaque has added the names to over 250 ex miners already dedicated on the Statues Plinth. The statue was originally designed by local man Peter Walker, in honour the miners who helped found the town.

The dedication also saw the launch of the 150th Burntwood Wakes in the area, which this year have a new look and feel. Rather than based across the traditional 2 day weekend in August, the Wakes will feature events across a number of months in the town, enabling more people to participate. The Wakes originated as a festival created by local miners 150 years ago at St Annes Church in Chasetown, which is also 150 years old this year. It was a fitting ceremony and event to bring focus on how communities gather and celebrate their heritage.
The dedication saw Chairman of the Burntwood Business Community David Whitehouse introduce proceedings, thanking the Miners, local Business ‘Bayley Property Services’ and Burntwood Library for supporting the event. Thanks was also given to the Burntwood Business Community who sponsored the fun day activities.

Chairman of the Burntwood Town Council Pam Stokes gave a touching speech thanking the miners for their dedication, this was then followed by a blessing by Rev Linda Hood, before being played out by Rugeley Brass Band.

The band continued to played on through the day with the Library converted into a community hub, gallery and arts centre for the day. Local groups had stalls and craft available. A free bouncy castle and face painting was also available for the kids. In total around 1000 people attended the fun day event, which ran between 10.30 and 4pm.

“This was all made possible by the Peter Walkers project The City of Sculpture with additional thanks to the local town council, Burntwood Library, Burntwood Heritage Group and Burntwood Business Community who provided fantastic support to the project”.

Local ex miner Keith Cooper also received a much deserved mention in proceedings after spending months collecting ex miners names for the new plaque.

“Since it was unveiled in 2013 by my predecessor, Ron Bradbury when he was Chairman of the Town Council, SCAMP has become a visible symbol of our community and heritage. Of course, Ron Bradbury had always been the driving force behind the project to get a meaningful memorial and tribute to our local heritage, raising funds and awareness for years before this beautiful sculpture was unveiled. Today is the start of the new Burntwood Wakes Festival, a new way of celebrating our community throughout what I hope will be a wonderful summer! This year, Burntwood Town Council has changed the way we are holding the Wakes Festival to let our local community groups have more involvement and bring new ideas”. Chairman Pam Stokes

“Scamp has been embraced across the community, and that is key to producing art in public places. It is fantastic to see all generation engaging with the artwork. We must remember that this town was built on the mining heritage, and although there is no visible reminder of the many pits in the area, I trust this statue and the names which are proudly inscribed on the plaques will last for generations as a reminder of the routes of this community. Today its a different world, and in line with that we hope to bring many new art projects, using new technology as well as sculpture and and other art forms to the area. There is overwhelming enthusiasm for the projects we undertake in Burntwood and Lichfield and we will continue to develop opportunities wherever we can to create access to art in the area”. Peter Walker

Sculptor and Artist Peter Walker has set local school pupils in Lichfield and Burntwood a challenge to draw their best design for a sculpture.

Entrants have the chance to draw any design they would like and one selected winning design shall have the honour of being recreated in virtual 3Dimension sculpture online. More than that the design will also be geo-located for a site in Lichfield or Burntwood and become the areas first permanent digital public artwork.

If you can imagine anything being put on display for all to see in a public space, what would it be?

Entries must be completed on a design sheet and returned to Lichfield Library.

Download design sheet by right clicking here: Sculpture design sheet – and then click – Saved Linked as , to save the design sheet to your computer.

The competition is designed for children aged between 9 and 16 years. The deadline for drawings to be entered by is 1st July. All entries should be given to Lichfield Library

“As a public artist we create artworks which are designed to last forever. For the competition we want children to use their artistic imagination and come up with original and diverse ideas – Anything they would like to see themselves or which they can imagine to be seen on the streets they live in” Peter Walker

50 selected designs will be framed and displayed at Lichfield Library during the summer and 5 shortlisted designs will be open for public vote to choose a winning design.

The project is being supported by inLife design and White Crow Studios who will help to create the digital 3d artwork for the winner, and the Arts Council England

inLife are an award winning Web design agency in Staffordshire specializing in providing web design and digital marketing solutions to suite all businesses and budgets. http://www.inlife.co.uk/

White Crow Studios Ltd are a Midlands based visualization company that can turn any 2D idea or concept into a 3D photorealistic illustration or animation. They visualize architectural designs based on 2D CAD or drawn schematics.

Entrants have the chance to draw any design they would like and the winning design shall have the opportunity of being recreated in virtual 3Dimension online.

contact pw@acityassculpture.com

On 2^nd March 2015 Sophia Mosley was officially appointed as mentoree to Peter Walker. After initial meeting and an informal interview held at Lichfield Library, during a community engagement art project which was commencing that day, Sophia was chosen on the merits of her C.V. and ability to work alongside the artist. Firstly the position involved attending the artist’s studio, based in Shrewsbury, for two full days in order to participate and view the working practice of the sculptor in his daily regime. Upon arrival Sophia was shown around the studio to become familiar with the physical space and types of work that are undertaken in the studio.   Then through conversation with the artist Sophia was gave insight into the forthcoming annual projects that were due to commence and within which the mentoree position would be able to contribute with in the coming months.

Throughout the two days Sophia was able to assist Peter Walker as he began the construction of a 4ft sculpture. Sophia was taught how to place clay onto the armature of a sculpture and began working to build up the piece with the artist. Due to the cold climate in the studio space, Sophia was given extra layers of clothing to wear and learned about the practicalities of the working environment.

The studio also had a visiting artist, Composer and Sound artist David Harper, whom was working alongside Peter Walker on a sound and light installation piece for a forthcoming exhibition. Sophia was able to see and hear the new media that was being used to produce the artwork. Sophia was able to explore the conceptual work of the artist and investigate how sculpturally sound and light could be used to portray creative ideas.

Throughout the time of visiting, creative ideas were discussed between the artists as they worked in collaboration in the studio. Peter Walker and Sophia through this time were able to discuss the different ways in which art may be produced, how artistic concepts can be explored and represented, and the different ways that artists run their businesses highlighting the importance of this in the art world.

Sophia expressed her interests in pursuing her creative writing expertise and also explained her interests in painting, collage and ceramics. Together with Peter, they both discussed their creative ideas which could be pursued as they embark on the new projects together.

The winning design will be chosen by a public vote during the Summer of 2015 as part of an exhibition of 50 chosen designs which will be exhibited in the Library gallery.  The design will then be created digitally and virtually embedded as a work of art in the City landscape.

The sculpture studio days are the 7/8th April. And will include further art activities.

Sophia  is a Midlands based artist. Having graduated from Goldsmiths College, University of London she undertook several residency programs at The Banff Centre, Canada and with Red Gate Gallery in Beijing.

Sophia is an artist and a writer, although it is more so becoming one practice. She moves between different methods of creating, her work comprising of painting and collage. For her, fiction never leaves the picture.

The gathering of information took place at the local Lichfield Library, through listening to recollections it was discovered that some of the participants including one member of the library staff whom had known the building to be their own primary school when they were a child. Today it is full of shelves of books lining its walls where once there stood a refectory for young children and classrooms. It was heard that even the grand stone fire place that stands in one room was once part of a building that stood opposite where the friary once was. The history of the area was spoken of fondly by participants and the changes that have been observed were described, particularly the changes to the usages of the city through industrialisation and the commercial changes that the historic city has relied upon for development. Places and spaces therefore were shown to have different meanings for different people of varied generations. The park space was described as a highlight by younger generations and parents of small children. Older members of the population described the importance of the many tea rooms and coffee shops as meeting places.

There were emotional responses relayed by those who had lived in the city since birth or at least for many years. It was interesting to find out that many people in the area despite having lived there for over forty years still did not feel as though they were from that area. This provoked the following questions: Is this a sign that local people feel they don’t belong to a community? Or is this depicting a view of insiders and outsiders dependant on place of birth?

Comparing the data collected with that collected in the Burntwood area for the time-capsule, it could be seen that the city enticed a wide range of people who settled in the area for jobs and family homes.   Some moved from areas such as Manchester and Lancashire, whereas it was found that Burntwood’s development of population was due more to the Birmingham overspill and the mining industry. This was remembered mostly by the older generation of participants, whereas those born perhaps within the last forty years viewed the area as their home and they did not relay stories related to this but instead were describing how they find and use the city today.

There was a distinct appreciation for the city and most participants had a positive story to tell. Some upset was relayed concerning the forthcoming HS2 which would go through land in the nearby area. It became apparent that the listening of stories was responded to with appreciation and almost a sense of relief to be heard and recorded. Without the recording of which such stories would never be able to be passed on to the next generation to hear and view.

A picture of a tree that was important to one participant was handed in to be scanned. It had names carved into it of a loved one but it had since been chopped down. Yet through digital recording the photographic image of the tree can now be immortalised and shown to others, though this shall never replace the tree, its presence has been captured and preserved in a digital visual form for others to know it existed. The same for all the narratives given in and recorded either written down or spoken, they now are captured in time for future generations to see and hear and they together represent a collective depiction of the city of Lichfield and district for other people to discover in the future.

Work produced by children from Ridgeway Primary school alongside small sculpture designs, inspired by the Staffordshire Hoard produced by groups around Burntwood have gone on display in Burntwood Library. During several sessions students worked on designing artworks relating to the the Hoard discovery alongside working to develop sculpture in numbers materials.

The project saw research and development sessions, sketching and design, maquette and model making alongside being taken on guided walks around the art of Lichfield and Burntwood.