Witney News - Public art for new Witney development

Public art for new Witney development

A public art centrepiece for Witney's new leisure and retail development was installed on Monday 12th October.

Designed and created by sculptor and public artist Michael Fairfax, the 'Buttercross Needle', is the second of two pieces of public art for Marriotts Walk. It has been commissioned by West Oxfordshire District Council and funded from the developers, the Simons Group.

Michael Fairfax's contemporary 'Buttercross Needle' design was chosen as it reflects the internal architecture of the development and materials of the leisure square. Using modern materials of predominantly stainless steel and glass, the interior houses fibre optic lights, which will illuminate at night through slender strips of glass.

A floor mosaic was also commissioned as public art and this is at the Welch Way entrance to Marriotts Walk. Created by specialist mosaic artist, Rob Turner, the mosaic represents a more traditional style. Made up of 32 sections it captures key points in West Oxfordshire's commercial history.

Cllr Warwick Robinson, Cabinet Member said, “Both pieces complement the development and the town as a whole. The mosaic reflects the traditional style of the Welch Way elevation of Marriotts Walk in traditional materials of natural stone, brick and render, as well as depicting the district's heritage. Although the 'Buttercross Needle' is very modern, its design references well-known local landmarks such as the spire of St Mary's Church in Church Green and the roof of the Buttercross.”

Mosaic artist Rob Turner and sculptor, Michael Fairfax are well-known public artists and their work can be seen all over the UK.

Representatives from Witney Town Council and West Oxfordshire District Council have worked together with the developers to ensure that these works really reflect the local area and complement the development.