some of the 3000 letters carved into the sculpture
I was sad to hear that the Astra Zenica Pharmaceutical Plant down the road in Loughborough is going to close resulting in about 1000 job losses. My 1st major sculpture commission was for Astra Zenica and as far as I know is still there. Astra used to regularly commission artworks from Loughborough art college and the commission I won was run as a competition open to students, graduates and tutors of the college. I had recently graduated and was shortlisted with 2 of my former tutors for an interview. Sadly, they gave the commission to one of my tutors, but to my elation, I received a phone call the following day to say that they wanted to commission my sculpture too and had got some extra money. Needless to say I was extremely chuffed and treated the missus to grand night at the Ferrers Arms! I wonder what will become of “Cures”, the hoptonwood limestone column. It was designed specifically for that space but I suppose it could be moved to another Astra site, I seem to remember fixing it extremely thoroughly though so I hope they dont ask me to shift it!
"Cures". Hoptonwood limestone. 1999Some of the 3000 or so letters carved into the sculpture !