Spectacular artwork installation for Southernhay

A beautiful artwork commissioned jointly by Land Securities and Exeter City Council and designed by international artists Studio Roso, is being installed at the top of Southernhay on the curved wall of Princesshay’s car park.

The installation commemorates Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh’s Golden Jubilee visit to Exeter in May 2012.  

All of Studio Roso's designs are inspired by the location of the artwork.  The artwork draws inspiration from the Copper Beech tree that used to stand in this location, and which had to be removed due to a fungal disease.

The stainless steel mirrored leaves create a lasting memory of the tree as well as forming a beautiful artistic link between nature, architecture and the public space.   450 polished stainless steel leaves act as an imprint of a tree, as if its shadow had fossilised onto the wall. The sculptural leaves will be randomly fixed to the wall in clusters, covering an area of 9.5m x 5.5m.  The sculpture will cast shadows and capture natural light to create an artwork which will subtly change colour and tone during the course of the day and add great appeal to those who journey past.

The work contributes to the high quality programme of public art within the city and throughout Princesshay.

Wayne Pearce, Princesshay Centre Director said, “This is a stunning and exciting addition to the public art collection in and around Princesshay. The concept and design suits the site perfectly and is a poignant yet modern reminder of a piece of Exeter’s history. It has been a pleasure to support this project.”

Exeter City Council has planted two new trees in the grass area in front of the artwork to frame views from Southernhay and Princesshay.  The trees, which were provided by a private donor, are a variety of Field Maple called Acer campestre ‘Queen Elizabeth’.

Cllr Rachel Sutton, Exeter City Council's Lead Councillor for Sustainable Development and Transport, said, “Internationally renowned Studio Roso developed a concept and design that had unanimous support from all parties involved. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the final piece in situ and hope visitors to Exeter will enjoy it for years to come.  We are pleased to have been able to plant two new trees in to enhance the setting for the artwork – in time these will grow and provide an attractive addition to the existing trees in Southernhay.”