Art on the Grassy Knoll

I love art, I love it with a passion, especially street furniture art. So I was excited to the point of goosebumps when I heard that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council were going to start installing artworks around town. Bravo TWBC!

The site selected for the first of these new works is known as the "Grassy Knoll" and is a small, grassed mound on the north side of Grosvenor bridge before the entrance to Grosvenor and Hilbert Park.

Sculpture proposal for The Grassy Knoll. Copyright: Richard Perry 2011.

Richard Perry's concept (above) seems to be the most fitting. He has looked at the surrounding area and has been inspired by the "extraordinary iron oxide colour" of the spring water in the park. His concept showed a great amount of attention has been paid to the surroundings of the sculpture and to me is the most appealing. It sits well in the space. I personally feel, at 3.5m high, it could do with another couple of metres in height to make it really powerfully stand out.

8 out of 10.

Sculpture proposal for The Grassy Knoll. Copyright: Tony Stallard 2011.

Tony Stallard's proposal (above) is aiming at being a "direct reference to the water supply for which Tunbridge Wells is famous", alas his use of a Greek Rython to hold such water shows that he has missed the mark on getting the feel of Tunbridge Wells in an art piece. As for it glowing orange at night, a bold idea which I commend him for but it still doesn't make up for it being wildly out of place in Tunbridge Wells.

5 out of 10.

Sculpture proposal for The Grassy Knoll. Copyright: We Made That 2011.

We Made That's proposal (above) looks on first appearances like a building has been demolished leaving the empty staircase which has then been graffitied. How completely un-Tunbridge Wellian is that?! Sorry, We Made That, but your "Civic Stop" would not be a "robust and characterful local stone ‘stoop’ to create opportunities for public meeting and friendly conversation", it would be an eyesore.

0 out of 10.

Wow, that was very unlike me. You can tell how passionate I am about this subject can't you! The final selection will be made by March 2012 and the Grassy Knoll, which is the first stop on the walk from the town centre to Grosvenor and Hilbert Park, will be the first installation of many. Also, there will be many posts about this walk to Grosvenor and Hilbert Park in the coming months so stay tuned for those.

But, don't listen to me. Do you usually? Use the power of your mouse by heading to the Council's website and undertaking a survey. There you can choose your favourite from the shortlist and give feedback on them all. Please, I really want you to help by taking part in this process and showing how much we want public art around town. Go now and then come back and tell me what you think.

What would I put? Well, that I will share in another post.

So, what do you think? Which one did you choose?