PUBLIC ART Bideford, North Devon PROSPECTUS FOR PUBLIC ART COMMISSIONS
AN INTRODUCTION to Public Art Commissions. Red Earth has been building beautiful homes
artisan skills and creativity and we want to
in outstanding locations in the West Country
celebrate that in this new development.
for over 20 years. This new development at Brunswick Wharf will provide an exciting
Red Earth will be working with The Burton at
opportunity for local artisans to take part in a
Bideford to run the commission competition
competition for Public Art Commissions.
and will also be looking to run workshops which celebrate and share local creative skills
Brunswick Wharf will be one of the most
within the community.
significant regeneration projects in North Devon. We want to curate a vibrant space for homes,
We believe this is a unique and pioneering
leisure, retail, dining, as well as artisan studios, all
approach to public art commissions which
arranged around a beautifully configured central
such an important site with a long history of
public square and riverside walk.
creativity deserves.
People have been making things on this site
Please do join us by bringing your creative
since 1565 when the first ships were built here.
skills to these important public art
Ever since, Bideford has been known for its
commissions.
SECURE YOUR ART
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Simon Friend Red Earth Developments Ltd
PUBLIC ART COMMISSIONS AVAILABLE:
ON THE WATER’S EDGE.
TIM EFRAM E
A series of Mural Panels
Commissions Open November 2021
Central Square Water Feature
Public Workshops & Engagement Autumn - Spring 2021/2022
Historic & Ecology Information Panels
Entry Deadline End Jan 2022
External Iron work and Joinery
Winners Announced Spring 2022
Main contract works start Summer 2022 and completion of the whole project will be 2025 with phased elements including public square completing from Summer 2023. We will work closely with the artists on delivery dates for the various commissions.
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A brand new mixed-use development on the old wharves in East the Water, Bideford.
Bideford, North Devon
THE BURTON AT BIDEFORD We are delighted to have been asked by Red Earth to partner in facilitating this important and exciting opportunity for artists and creatives. To have this opportunity to shape public art commissions for such a significant site is both a privilege and exciting prospect.
SANDY BROWN - COMMISSIONED CERAMICIST “I have followed with close interest the evolving of this development over a number of years. I am delighted that Red Earth has public art as such an important element of this project. It has been inspiring and affirming to have worked with Red Earth on my own significant commission and I wholeheartedly encourage other artists to engage with this wonderful opportunity. It’s my hope that this opportunity will celebrate the town’s unique history and artistic resourcefulness.”
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Image © The Burton at Bideford
6 Clockwise from top: The Burton at Bideford, Harvest Jugs in The Burton at Bideford, Bideford Quay front, Bideford New Bridge.
ARTS & CRAFTS Traditions In Bideford
SHIPS HAVE BEEN BUILT IN BIDEFORD SINCE 1563... In fact, Bideford’s shipbuilding heritage carries national historic significance: Bideford ships became more seaworthy and a better fit for long voyages as early as the 16th century, allowing the port town to become a key trader in clays, textiles, and tobacco. The ships here were even used to prepare for the privateer and English explorer, Richard Grenville’s, trip to the Americas. The site itself was used for shipbuilding, with the former WCA Mill Building hailed as a sign of Bideford’s prosperity upon its construction in 1894.
A HISTORY OF CERAMICS Clay and pottery play an important role in Bideford’s history. In the 17th century, Bideford was an important port town for clay and pottery trading, and the Wharves themselves were at a point used to export goods such as clay or earthenware products. To this day, ships still export clay from local pits like Peters Marland as far as Russia and Germany.
THE NORTH DEVON BIOSPHERE The North Devon biosphere is one of just 7 Biosphere Reserves in the UK. Centered around UNESCO-protected Braunton Burrows, it extends from the rivers Taw and Torridge to Lundy Island, incorporating the Scientific Interest; the town and nearby areas are home to rare animals, marine life, plant life and other wildlife.
LOCAL ARTIST COMMUNITY Bideford has a rich and creative history. The beauty and quirky culture of North Devon has inspired multitudes of art, from famous novels and poems to paintings and sculptures. To this day, Bideford still holds a vibrant community of artists.
THE BURTON AT BIDEFORD The Burton at Bideford is an important community space for the town. At once both a gallery and a museum, the Burton houses wonderful pieces of art, titbits of the town’s vibrant history, and is Bideford’s tourist information centre. The Burton is also a historic site: opened by Thomas Burton and Hubert Coop, it turns 70 in 2021 and remains a
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town of Bideford. Our biosphere contains over 60 Sites of Special
venue that is welcoming to all and freely accessible.
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OVERALL DESIGN PHILOSOPHY Red Earth’s vision is to transform a currently bleak and underutilised area into a vibrant new heart for the community. The proposals aim for excellence in design, respect for the historical significance of the wharves and the highest sustainability standards. The layout of the development will create three open sided squares - two private and one public - linked by a quayside walk along the entire frontage of the site. Green landscaped areas provide important net gain in biodiversity. The overall design of the new buildings aims to respect the form of the historic wharves with the main buildings, like the current Brunswick Wharf building, presented at right angles to the river with breaks between to allow views through to Barnstaple Street. Connections to the wharves history is reflected in the landscape designs to subtly reflect on the past uses of the wharves. The spaces
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created are informed by the materials that were once imported &
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exported from the historic quayside. All the parking will be located in an undercroft car park, keeping the main areas of the public and private squares free for pedestrians.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST Email: art@brunswickwharf.co.uk
THE OPPORTUNITIES Public Art Commisions A SPACE TO SHOWCASE... The central public square which has direct pedestrian access from Barnstaple Street and Bideford Bridge via the new waterfront public walkway will form a focal point for visitors and residents with retail, food & drink and artisan studios forming 3 sides of the square - all looking out over the river. The commissions will be an integral part of the design and we want them to tell the story of the heritage of the site. We see this as an opportunity to continue the centuries old tradition of creativity and making things on Brunswick Wharf. We are aiming to create something really special and want to support south west based arts and crafts in the process to ensure that all benefit from this unique opportunity to become a vibrant destination of choice for locals and visitors. SECURE YOUR ART
O N T H E WAT E R’ S E D GE
ON THE WATERS EDGE...
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S I T E PL AN
Wall Murals Water Feature
Way of Wharves Panel Garden Gates
Bideford Bridge Panel Ecology Panel
Seating
Sandy Brown Sculpture
BARNSTAPLE STREET MURAL PANELS A series of large wall panels suitable for clay reliefs, or metal work reliefs, or inspired wall murals.
WAY OF THE WHARVES INFO PANEL In association with the Way of the Wharves charity, this will be an information panel on the history of the Wharves.
BIDEFORD BRIDGE TRUST HISTORY PANEL In association with the Bideford Bridge Trust, this panel will reveal the story of the history of Bideford Bridge and Memorial Gardens.
ECOLOGY INFO PANEL In association with Natural England, a panel on the ecology of the River Torridge, a local SSSI.
PUBLIC SQUARE WATER FEATURE An exciting opportunity for designers to work alongside our landscape architects to input on the design intricacies of the water feature.
GARDEN ENTRANCE GATES Two beautifully designed sets of decorative metal work gates, which will provide access to private gardens and the quayside walk.
MEMORIAL GARDEN SEATING Two beautiful and peaceful park benches. In association with the Bideford Bridge Trust.
READ ON FOR... ART COM M ISSION DETAILS
WALL MURALS Queen’s & Clarence Wharf, Barnstaple Street Number 11
Dimensions 1.25m x 2.2m
DESIGN BRIEF An opportunity for Bideford’s budding creatives to contribute to the development, with panels in either clay reliefs or metal work reliefs, or space for artistic wall murals. These will be located in one group of three on Queen’s Wharf, and two groups of four on Clarence Wharf. Depending on the entries - we may split the commission into three sections
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Location of art commission within Brunswick Wharf
O L D BIDEFO R D BR I DG E
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of 3 panels, 4 panels and 4 panels or one entire commission for the 11 panels.
ART PANE L LO CATION S
General Arrangement Plan
Frontage Elevation
Did you know? Naval hero Richard Grenville prepared for his voyage to the Americas from Brunswick Wharf in the 16th century.
3-Dimensional Visual
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3-Dimensional Visual
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General Arrangement Plan
Frontage Elevation
WAY OF THE WHARVES History Panel
Number 1
Dimensions 1.5m x 1.0m
DESIGN BRIEF We’re working closely with the Way of the Wharves charity to keep the heritage and spirit of the wharves alive. This panel should reflect the work they are doing
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Location of art commission within Brunswick Wharf
A RT CO MMI S S I O N LO CAT I O N
Did you know? Merchant sailing vessels were built at Brunswick Wharf for over 400 years.
and the rich history of the original wharves.
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BIDEFORD BRIDGE TRUST Historical Panel Number 1
Dimensions 1.5m x 1.0m
DESIGN BRIEF We will be working in association with the Bideford Bridge Trust. This historical information panel will be intended to tell the story of Bideford Bridge, and the interesting heritage behind it. This is an exciting opportunity
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for local creatives with a keen interest in the historical context of the town.
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Location of art commission within Brunswick Wharf
ART CO MMI S S I ON LOCATION
General Arrangement Plan (Ground) General Arrangement Plan (Mezzanine)
Did you know? The wharves were used to import and export goods such as tobacco, clay, wool, textiles and earthenware products.
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
Frontage Elevation
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ECOLOGY
Information Panel Number 1
Dimensions 1.5m x 1.0m
DESIGN BRIEF This panel should seek to educate and inspire its viewers about the diverse ecology of the River Torridge, a SSSI telling the story of the river and mudflats habitats in the wider context of the North Devon Biosphere and
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AONB. This panel will be created in association with Natural England.
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Location of panel within Brunswick Wharf
PANEL LO CAT I ON
Did you know? The former WCA Mill building, constructed in 1894, was the largest of its kind in North Devon.
General Arrangement (Ground)
Frontage Elevation (Upper and Ground Floor)
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Frontage Elevation (Upper and Ground Floor)
Frontage Elevation (Upper and Ground Floor)
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Number GROUND
2
Dimensions 3 person seater
DESIGN BRIEF This is an exciting opportunity for a designer to create two beautiful park benches. Our intention is to create not only new commercial and residential space, but a peaceful and welcoming space for the community. These benches will be a key facet of this.
O L D BIDEFO R D BR I DG E
Location of art commission within Brunswick Wharf
A RT CO MMI S S I O N LO CAT I O NS
Did you know? The size and scale of the WCA Mill building was hailed as proof of Bideford’s development, growth & prosperity
MEMORIAL GARDEN SEATING
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PUBLIC SQUARE Water Fountain Number 1
Dimensions 13m x 6m
DESIGN BRIEF Our vision for the development includes a beautiful water feature in the public square. This is the chance for designers to work alongside our
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landscape architects to input on the design intricacies of the water feature.
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Location of water feature within Brunswick Wharf
WAT ER FEAT URE LOCATION
General Arrangement Plan
Frontage Elevation
Did you know? The former WCA Mill building, constructed in 1894, was the largest of its kind in North Devon.
3-Dimensional Visual
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Frontage Elevation (Upper and Ground Floor)
Frontage Elevation (Upper and Ground Floor)
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Number 2
Dimensions 1.5m x 2.6m tall
DESIGN BRIEF We are seeking talented metalwork artists to assist in designing two sets of intricate, decorative metalwork gates. These will serve as an important access point to the development’s private gardens and the stunning quayside walk. With the quay side walk we are aiming to encourage visitors from Bideford town and beyond to use Brunswick Wharf as a welcoming community space.
O L D BIDEFO R D BR I DG E
Location of art commissions within Brunswick Wharf
A RT CO MMI S S I O N LO CAT I O NS
Did you know? The size and scale of the WCA Mill building was hailed as proof of Bideford’s development, growth & prosperity
GARDEN ENTRANCE GATES
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O N T H E WAT E R’ S E D GE
SANDY BROWN
When it comes to clay and pottery, Bideford has a rich history and was once a pivotal port town in the trade of such earthenware products. It makes sense for us to honour this aspect of Bideford’s heritage with a new ceramic sculpture, especially since the site of the development was key to the history of this trade. We have commissioned internationally-acclaimed and award winning ceramics artist Sandy Brown, one of North Devon’s most inspired artists, to create a striking sculpture within this public space. Sandy has closely followed and encouraged the Brunswick Wharf development, and we hope that together we can create an iconic new landmark within the town of Bideford, to celebrate its rich artistic culture.
Location of Sandy Brown’s sculpture within Brunswick Wharf
S C U LP T U RE LO CAT IO N
Did you know? The size and scale of the WCA Mill building was hailed as proof of Bideford’s development, growth & prosperity
Commission
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TAKE PART
Artist Opportunities It’s no surprise that Bideford is a town brimming with esteemed and budding creatives. The North Devon landscape, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, has long inspired artistic endeavours, from that of the Romantic Poets to Bideford’s interesting ceramic history. Bideford Black was a pigment mined for over 200 years until 1968, and was historically used in art works. Our vision for the Brunswick Wharf development has always included a strong artistic presence, honouring its creative heritage and showcasing the work of south west based artists. We intend not only to transform this once bleak and under-utilised space into a bustling commercial and residential space, but into a vibrant, welcoming environment for the whole of the community. Incorporating the inspired work of south west based artists will be a pivotal aspect of breathing new life into the once derelict Brunswick Wharf site. This is a unique opportunity for artists and creatives of all kinds to make their mark on Bideford. The works commissioned for the project will be preserved on the development for countless years to come, and will be a direct celebration of Bideford’s creative prowess. Working in conjunction with the Burton at Bideford to make these commission
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opportunities possible, we can’t wait to hear about your ideas. We’re looking forward to
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working with you to create something unique and special here in Bideford.
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Bring your dreams to our vision for Brunswick Wharf...”
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An exciting opportunity in a unique and stunning location...” CREATIVITY IN BIDEFORD Bideford, and the wider North Devon area, have always been home to talented artists of all kinds. The creative history here is vast and varied: the nearby village of Westward Ho! was named for the novel of the same name by Charles Kingsley, which is set in the local area; Henry Williamson’s ‘Tarka the Otter’ was set across the towns of Bideford and Barnstaple; in 1896, Bideford was home to a specialist art school which trained a number of exceptional Victorian artists. In the present day, the area is no different! The sculpture and landmark of ‘Verity’ is located nearby in Ilfracombe, created by esteemed artist Damien Hirst. The Burton at Bideford, both a historic art gallery and museum, was recently visited by members of the Royal Family. In fact, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall’s visit to Bideford was purely to view its art. Bideford is still home to artists of all kinds, from sculptors and painters to writers, metalworkers, textile artists, ceramicists, and many more.
Did you know? Bideford is at the heart of the North Devon Biosphere and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
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GET INVOLVED How You Can Take Part WORKSHOPS As the Brunswick Wharf development takes shape, Burton at Bideford will be working in partnership with a number of local schools and community groups to develop a new community display for Bideford Museum. Combining information about the site with actual findings from the site, these workshops will celebrate the fascinating history of the site, alongside Bideford’s
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rich boatbuilding and ceramic heritage.
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WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY Over the next year, ‘Red Earth’ will be working closely with the Burton at Bideford to deliver creative activities, designed to reach and engage with a number of diverse groups across our community. From children to adults, this includes working with local artists, school groups, people experiencing homelessness, local historians and our many visitors. We firmly believe that participation in the arts has the ability to transform lives.
REGISTER O N T H E WAT E R’ S E D GE
Your interest.
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Please register your interest by submitting an email to art@ brunswickwharf.co.uk outlining briefly which commission you are interested in pitching for. We will be inviting submissions up until the end of January 2022 and final announcement of the winners will be released by end of April 2022.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST Email: art@brunswickwharf.co.uk
ONWARD
Further Information. BRUNSWICK WHARF https://brunswickwharf.co.uk
BURTON AT BIDEFORD https://www.burtonartgallery.co.uk
NORTH DEVON BIOSPHERE https://www.northdevonbiosphere.org.uk
TARKA TRAIL https://www.tarkatrail.org.uk
TORRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL https://www.torridge.gov.uk/article/12059/residents
RED EARTH DEVELOPMENTS
A RE D E ART H DE VELO P M EN T
THE SMALL PRINT: Red Earth Bideford Ltd and the Burton at Bideford give notice that: 1) These particulars for art commissions is a general outline for the guidance for prospective artistic commissions and do not constitute in whole or in part of an offer or a Contract. 2) Reasonable endeavours have been made to ensure that the information given in these particulars is materially correct, but any prospective artist should satisfy themselves by inspection and enquiries as to the correctness of each statement. 3) Neither Red Earth Bideford Ltd nor Burton at Bideford nor anyone in their employment or acting on their behalf has authority to make any representation or warranty in relation to these commission opportunities. 4) Pictorial images, drawings, computer generated images and accompanying captions are indicative and for illustrative purposes only. Future commissions for the development are subject to ongoing planning approvals. Naming within Brunswick Wharf is subject to approval. 5) Photographs may show only certain parts and
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https://www.red-earth.org
aspects of the proposed commissions at the time when the photographs were taken or CGI’s created and you should rely on actual inspection. 6) Any areas, measurements or distances are only approximate. Subject to Commission Contract . Red Earth Bideford Ltd is development manager for the Brunswick Wharf project.
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brunswickwharf.co.uk
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ARTIST COMMISSIONS
“A TRULY UNIQUE AND EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE AND WORK ON ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BIDEFORD NORTH DEVON
Copyright © 2021 Red Earth Bideford Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of Red Earth Bideford Ltd.
COASTLINES IN THE COUNTRY”