A SEAT FIT FOR A QUEEN OUR VICE-PRESIDENT REMINISCES

It is odd that on the day of the Coronation of our new monarch, 6th May, I am sitting here writing this piece about our late Queen Elizabeth II. But it was on this very date 20 years ago, in 2003, that an auspicious event took place in Cheltenham’s Montpellier Gardens to inaugurate a new, high quality, piece of public art to mark Queen Elizabeth’s 50 years on the throne. This came about as an initiative on the part of the Cheltenham Arts Council at the time to create a community-led ‘Mosaic Trail’ of public art installations around the town (other locations included Swindon Village, Charlton Kings and at Cheltenham General Hospital). This particular installation, located at a focal point in Montpellier Gardens, is in the form of a five-sided bench (each side representing a decade of the Queen’s reign) and at its centre, supported by five nine feet long stainless steel columns, a light which shines on a metal orb to cast its light down on to the seat below. On top is a silver pigeon, alluding to the bird that features in the town’s coat of arms. The seat itself is made of Forest of Dean stone, but around it is mosaic decoration featuring pieces of dark green slate from Cumbria inlaid with marble of different colours. Encircling the seat are the musical notes of the first line of ‘God Save the Queen’ and a scattering of gilded feathers (from the pigeon!). The design was the creation of professional Gloucestershire mosaicist Oliver Budd working with the sculptor David John, and the project was overseen by the CAC’s Public Art Project Coordinator Jane Bywater.

On the day, around 100 people assembled in the Gardens to witness the then mayor of Cheltenham, Ken Buckland, formally inaugurate the installation, flanked by Sir Peter Marychurch, the then President of the CAC, myself as vice-President and the artist Oliver Budd. Accompanying music was provided by harp and flute and at the key moment a whole flock of pigeons was released into the air together with a mass of coloured balloons. A most happy occasion indeed!

The whole project cost around £12,000 and was possible only thanks to a substantial grant from Cheltenham Borough Council under its Jubilee Landmark Project Scheme, and with sponsorship from the Chelsea Building Society. In the spirit of community involvement in the scheme, there was also active partnership with the National Star Centre college for people with physical disabilities, their students being involved in artist-led workshops. When so many public art initiatives in the town these days are developer-led, the success of this community-led initiative is worth remembering. The installation was built to robust standards both to be proof against vandalism and also to be longlasting. Twenty years on and the seat is still there to be used and admired. Next time you are in Montpellier Gardens take a look and even use the seat!

Terry Moore-Scott