News

A group of artists from Poole are delighted with the installation of a hand-painted glass sculpture at Upton Country Park, which they have created as a dramatic link from the Peacock Tearooms to the Peacock Gallery. The unique sculpture is suspended from the ceiling, dramatically linking the two.

The 10 artists, who attend Fourways Day Centre, worked with professional artist Sasha Ward and instructor Peter Smith to create the work from glass. The work has been designed to be viewed at its best from below, as well as from the gallery above and is back-lit by natural light from a large window. On celebrating the work the group also marked the loss of one of their group, Alex Ferrie, who died before seeing the work completed.

The artwork, entitled ‘Krysalys’, was inspired by the resident peacocks at Upton Country Park and incorporates drawing, painting and abstract interpretations. Six sheets of toughened glass were hand-painted by artists who attend an art workshop at Fourways. They were then fired by Sasha Ward and assembled in situ.

Arts Programme Manager, Anna Shiels, said: "The work creates a visual link between the tearooms and the gallery. Each plate shows each artist’s different style and interpretation of Upton Park, the tearooms and the peacocks that inspired the work. The overall design of the piece, created by Sasha Ward from one of the group member’s drawings, has worked really well to bring it all together. We’re really lucky to have this beautiful park in Poole and these magnificent birds!"

The ‘Krysalys’ project was developed in partnership between Borough of Poole’s Arts Development Unit and Adult Social Services Provider Unit as part of an ongoing Arts Programme.

Cllr Jane James, Executive Spokesperson for Tackling Disadvantage, said: "This is a lovely example of one of the many valuable projects that go on across Poole. Arts enables people to freely express themselves and this is a wonderful piece of creativity that will be on display for all visitors to Upton Country Park to enjoy."

Visitors to Upton Country Park can see this work and a changing exhibition programme at The Peacock Gallery, which is situated upstairs from the Peacock Tearooms. Opening times are October–April 10am–4pm and May–September 10am–5pm.