Foundation Myths York Art Gallery, Ordinary Architecture, Architect, Darwen Terracotta and Faience News, Design

Foundation Myths at York Art Gallery

Architectural Installation in northern England, UK – design by former FAT architect Charles Holland

23 Nov 2016

Charles Holland Work at York Art Gallery Building

No Ordinary Work of Art – Architectural Ceramics Firm Skills in Demand by the Art World

Design: Charles Holland, Ordinary Architecture

Architectural ceramics specialist, Darwen Terracotta and Faience, was chosen by Charles Holland of commissioned artists Ordinary Architecture to build the artwork Foundation Myths. This pioneering sculpture has been installed at the new Artists’ Garden at the York Art Gallery. The work comprises ten, life-sized, ceramic tree stumps arranged geometrically in two rows to echo the foundations of a former building.

Foundation Myths comprises ten, life-sized, ceramic tree stumps arranged geometrically in two rows

The Artists’ Garden has considerable history. At one time an orchard, it was also once part of the St Mary’s Abbey Precinct and was the location of the Great Hall of the Yorkshire Exhibition of 1879. The twin rows of five ceramic tree stumps are redolent of this arboreal and architectural history, but are finished in a bright yellow glaze, creating a strong contrast to their environment.

The twin rows of five ceramic tree stumpsare finished in a bright yellow glaze

“As a team we have worked with Charles before, most notably on the House for Essex, a collaboration between Grayson Perry, the ceramic artist, and FAT Architects. This multi-coloured wedding-cake of a building uses colour and shape dramatically to inspire visitors. Charles knew that our team had the skills in clay working, glaze formulation and firing to turn his ideas into reality and the work has subsequently attracted much interest,” explained Jon Wilson a Darwen Terracotta director.

Darwen Terracotta and Faience was chosen by artist Charles Holland because of their extensive ceramic skills

Darwen Terracotta work with architects and conservation specialists throughout the UK and in the USA to restore terracotta and faience facings on heritage buildings. The company also works with architects and designers to apply the same skills to provide sculptural and coloured facings for many modern buildings and new builds.

The Artists’ Garden has great history, at one time an orchard, it was also once part of the St Mary’s Abbey Precinct

Foundation Myths will remain on display at York Art Gallery until August 2017, there is more information at www.yorkartgallery.org.uk.

More Information: www.darwenterracotta.com
Darwen Terracotta Ltd, Building O, Ribble House, Ribble Business Park, Challenge Way, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 5RB

Great attention to detail can be seen the tree rings

Images copyright of Ainsworth Maguire.

Charles Holland was a member of former architects studio FAT

York Art Gallery.
Design: Ushida Findlay with Simpson Brown

York Art Gallery

photograph © Giles Rocholl Photography

York Art Gallery information from York Museums Trust

Ushida Findlay

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