ARTISTS Neil Musson and Jono Retallick of M+R have been chosen to create an original and prominent site-specific public artwork to respond to Worcester’s world-renowned porcelain heritage.
Worcester City Council, Royal Porcelain Works and the Museum of Royal Worcester drew up a shortlist of six artists to be interviewed and make a presentation to a panel of project partners and local stakeholders, as part of the selection process.
Funding for the project has been provided by Berkeley Homes as part of a planning contribution for their Waterside residential development.
Sian Stroud, corporate director at Worcester City Council, said “Neil and Jono of Musson+Retallick are very experienced in using community engagement to shape their public art creations.
“They will be linking in with Worcester’s communities and using some of the remarkable oral history that has been collected from former Royal Worcester porcelain factory workers to create a striking piece of public art that will reflect the area’s rich heritage.”
Kathy Leather, general manager of the Bransford Trust, said “We are thrilled to celebrate the regeneration of this ‘porcelain quarter’ to residential homes, arts and entertainment facilities and business, including Henry Sandon Hall, as a facility for community use.”
Sophie Heath, Museum of Royal Worcester director, said “This public art project will celebrate the world-class porcelain heritage that put Worcester on the international map, as well as raising the profile of our city’s porcelain quarter.
“The originality and experience of these talented artists really stood out at interview. They have started to connect with local residents, site tenants, former Royal Worcester factory workers and others, to develop and inform the project.”
For more visit www.museumofroyalworcester.org/news or e-mail memories of the site to [email protected]
