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Nigel
Havers and Jennifer James joined local civic dignitaries to unveil
a new sculpture in the foyer of Milton Keynes Theatre.
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| Nigel
Havers and Jennifer James cut the cords to unveil the sheep
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Artist
Bruce Williams' 'Electric Sheep' was commissioned by Milton Keynes
Council and Milton Keynes Theatre and Gallery Company to commemorate
the generosity of benefactor Margaret Powell, whose trust supported
the enhancement of facilities for the elderly and disabled in the
Theatre.
The
sculpture, which can clearly be seen from Powell Square as visitors
approach the theatre, reflects her life as a sheep farmer and the
fact that Milton Keynes was built on a formerly rural area. It features
two identical images of sheep, laser-cut into both sides of a large
steel structure and backed by glass.
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| Jennifer
James, Roy Nevitt and Nigel Havers survey the new artwork
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Coloured
lights inside the steel 'box' slowly fade and change, making the
sheep image change colour too.
The
Chairman of Milton Keynes Theatre and Gallery, Roy Nevitt, said
that the company was proud to have assisted in commissioning such
an appealing structure for the foyer and was very pleased with the
result: "Bruce
Williams' brilliantly conceived and executed piece, exhibits a wit
and a flair which does justice to the memory of Margaret Powell."
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About Bruce Williams |
Born
in 1962, he gained a BA in Fine Art from Gwent College of
Higher Education in 1984.
He
has created many large scale temporary and permanent public
works of art using a variety of media including reprographic
techniques, computer technology, sculpture, painting and
sound.
Recent
commissions include:
Concourse
(1998) for Wimbledon Railway Station Forecourt
Lifespan
(2000) for the Royal Hospitals Trust, Belfast
Elements
(2000) for Skelmersdale
Bevis
and Ascupart/Asvupart and Bevis (2000) for the City of Southampton
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Roger
Norman, Trustee of the Powell Foundation, added: "The
sculpture created by the artist represents the working life of my
cousin, Margaret Powell, who had her family farm at Tattenhoe.
"I
am delighted that her generous legacy of £500,000 has been
acknowledged in this way, ensuring that even more people, whatever
their disability or age, can enjoy their local theatre and gallery."
Nigel
Havers, who is starring in the appropriately named Art at Milton
Keynes Theatre from 21 January, said that he had been honoured to
perform the opening ceremony.
"I
didn't know what to expect but I think it's rather charming,"
he said. "It changes colour - I think it's perfect."
So
what would Serge (his character in Art who pays a lot of money for
a blank canvas) say?
"Interesting
question," said Nigel. "But I think he'd say pretty much
what I've said. That it's interesting. I don't necessarily think
you could have it at home, but it's not meant for the home. It's
meant to be in a public place and in that it does a very good job."
 Full
interview with Nigel Havers >>
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