Saturday, January 19th, 2008
Lounge At Night
Here you see everything - beautifully lit at night. I probably would enjoy using this seating area when the weather’s warmer.
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From Norwich City Council
A ‘living room’ for people to sit, reflect and watch the world go by has been created in Norwich’s Hay Hill.
A stunning giant brain and eye carved out of marble and 18 other pieces of sculpture by internationally acclaimed French artists Patrick and Anne Poirier have been installed on Hay Hill after months of anticipation.
Each piece is accompanied by a light and at night, they will be illuminated to create a mystical glow in the popular open space.
The unique and thought-provoking public artwork - which was primarily funded by the Arts Council - is intended as a homage to Sir Thomas Browne.
A physician, philosopher, botanist and writer, Sir Thomas lived in nearby Orford Place area and a statue of him was erected in Hay Hill on October 19, 1905, to commemorate the 300th anniversary of his birth.
He is buried in St Peter Mancroft Church where his skull had to be re-interred on July 4, 1922, after his body was accidentally dug up by workmen man years earlier. A replica is on display in the church as well as a portrait and other fascinating artefacts. There is also a display of some of his books and other manuscripts on the 2nd floor of the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library in the Forum.
The commissioning and installation of such a work in the centre of Norwich represents a major coup for the city.
Although the artists have works on display around the world, including Koblenz and Rouen - both of which are twinned with Norwich - this is their very first commission in the UK.
The sculptures were made by craftsmen in Pietrasanta, Italy, where Michelangelo used to buy stone for his work.
The project was funded by Arts Council England East, Norwich City Council and Norfolk County Council and commissioned through Commissions East.
Brenda Ferris, executive member for culture for Norwich City Council, said after its installation on Tuesday: “We have been given a gift for the city and now it is the job of all of us to be the advocates of the work and we must encourage the people of Norwich to take it to their hearts, value it and look after it.
“This is a new cultural space for the city and a homage to Thomas Browne, who lived here 400 years ago. It is a living room, to sit, contemplate and eat, and kids will absolutely love it. So much of it is children’s size and will be a real asset and good addition to this historic public space.â€
Patrick Poirier said he hoped that people would use the work to sit and relax whatever they thought of it.
“We don’t want to disturb the atmosphere of the place. We hope it will be a place where people will like to be - somewhere for them to stop and maybe have their lunch or perhaps read a book during the day. It is a place for discussion and debate.â€
The sculptures are made of marble and granite, some polished and shiny, some rough and matt and are inscribed with quotes from Sir Thomas’s writings.
And although they may appear to be scattered randomly, they are arranged in a pattern known as a ‘quinconce’ or ‘quincunx’ - a five-pointed diamond shape which Sir Thomas wrote about in one of his works, The Garden of Cyrus.
Titles of this and other of his works are engraved on the sculptures to encourage people to find out more about the ideas and writings of Thomas Browne.
I am many things - a life coach, a diversity champion, a freelance writer and translator, a dog lover, a citizen of the world, etc - but never thought of myself as a photographer. Norwich inspires me to capture snapshots of this fine Norman city. Take a trip down Norwich lanes or enjoy a walk in the park with me.
on Saturday, January 19th, 2008 at 11:33 am:
It is much more impressive and beautiful at night!
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on Saturday, January 19th, 2008 at 1:01 pm:
Definitely when the weather’s warmer, Joy.
I walked through it this morning and it was cold and very, very wet.
Brrr …
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on Saturday, January 19th, 2008 at 5:29 pm:
I think the seats would be hard on the back site. But neat place.
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on Saturday, January 19th, 2008 at 9:01 pm:
Hi Joy, I love the look at night also. And the series of photos has been cool, the way you unveiled a bit at a time.
You deserve the You Make My Day Award. I linked to you from my Seguin (TX) blog and just wanted you to know how much I enjoy your posts, photos, visits and comments. Have a great weekend!
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on Sunday, January 20th, 2008 at 3:16 am:
I’m with Quintarantino on this article. Thanks for the detailed information.
Just to let you know that your blog at times gives me inspiration and makes me feel happy.
I was given the “You Make My Day Award” and I am now passing it to you. If you wish, please pass it on to 10 other blogs that gives you inspiration and makes you feel happy.
Have a great weekend.
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on Sunday, January 20th, 2008 at 5:42 am:
cool lighting! looks like a nice place to hang out!
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on Sunday, January 20th, 2008 at 5:54 am:
It is very pretty at night, also…it’s been fun to see this area at different times, just as I would if I were there.
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