Description: A 3.7 metre high sculptural Portland stone ‘A’ topped with glass shell finials  The flowing space between the stone pillars represents the river Thames and is lit by a blue light at night. The integral oak seating follows the curved edge of an eight metre diameter circular paved area. Carved on one side of the stone ‘A’ are several circular reliefs based on themes relevant to the site, from ammonites to a cinema reel, by way of the circle and dot pattern found on a medieval piece of bone and a Saxon brooch. Viewed from their north side, the stone forms suggest two figures, and each has a bronze face recessed near the apex, like the gargoyles in the Abbey. These bronze masks represent Hean and Cilla - the brother and sister who founded the Abbey.

The glass shell forms at the apex illustrate the ancient underwater geology of the site. Their form and location is reminiscent of architectural finials and whatnots which adorn the many belvederes and turrets in the town. 

The Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire unveiled the artwork on Friday 13th May 2005.

Commission Title:
The Abingdon A

Sculptors:
Philip Bews & Diane Gorvin

Production Period:
January - March 2005

Site:
Housing Development - Neave Mews, Abingdon, England

Commissioned By:
Lovell and Vale of White Horse District Council

Production Method: This project was commissioned by Lovell and Vale of White Horse District Council under a Percent for Art scheme. See the Lovell web site for more details on the Neave Mews development.

Stone Firms Ltd, Easton provided and cut the stone to shape. Deborah Hughes assisted with the carving and Giles Macdonald did the lettering (and other plaques on the site).

Jackson Fawkes cast the glass shells and Castle Fine Arts Foundry cast the bronze masks, which were based on Jessica & Henry Mayo.

Damon Bramley transported the sculpture and assisted installation. The Oak for the seating came from Dean Oak.

Abigail Brown, Arts Development Manager,
Vale of White Horse District Council:

“This commission was developed through the District Council's Local Plan "Percent for Art Policy", by which the Council seeks to increase the number and quality of the publicly sited art works in the area through the financial contributions made from developers.

“The project was an excellent example of a fruitful partnership between district and developer where Diane Gorvin and Philip Bews were selected to work on a site-specific commission to enhance the new development in the centre of a historic market town. Their creation has struck a perfect balance between representing the heritage and identity of the area with a contemporary vision and huge artistic merit.

“It was a pleasure to work with Diane and Phil. They made the whole process as easy as possible, accommodating all views, understanding the town like locals and lending their expertise and creativity to make this project the great success it is.

“The Abingdon A is a work of art the council is very proud of. I know that local residents and future generations will enjoy it for years to come.”