HOUSE BUILDER ANNOUNCES 16TH COMMISSION IN ITS PUBLIC ART PROGRAMME
Norfolk house builder Abel Homes has announced the 16th commission in its ongoing public art programme – an installation of three Caithness Stone standing stones at East Harling, celebrating the three squirrels in the coat of arms of Sir Thomas Lovell, a highly-regarded 16th century benefactor of the village who is buried in the church, and which have also given their name to the new community.
The commission comes exactly 16 years after the firm made the commitment to place a new piece of art from a local artist at each of the sites where it builds new homes.
The three stones, each of which will feature a carved squirrel as well as woven basket motifs which are also found in the Lovell family crest, will stand approximately two metres high, and will be placed on an area of public open space at the heart of the firm’s Three Squirrels site, where 85 energy-efficient family homes are being built.
The stones are being carved by Norfolk stonemason Teucer Wilson at his studio in Burgh near Aylsham, and will be unveiled in the autumn. It is the fourth time the firm has commissioned artwork from Mr Wilson, who has also produced carved stone pieces at Abel Homes sites in Old Catton, Hingham and Mattishall.
“We are delighted to be working with Teucer once again,” said Maggie Abel, who oversees the public art programme for Abel Homes.
“Our art programme is designed to give each of the sites where we build new homes a focal point for the new communities we are creating, a place where residents can meet and chat.”
Teucer Wilson came to Norfolk in 2000 after serving a five year apprenticeship at a leading stone carver in London, and has completed a number of high-profile commissions, including at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, the RAF Bircham Newton War Memorial, and the Blaenavon Gateway in south Wales.
The standing stones will be unveiled at the site in early autumn. For full details of the homes available at Three Squirrels at East Harling, visit www.abelhomes.co.uk/developments/east-harling.