Date published: 22 September 2023
A public art sculpture relating to the history of the area has been unveiled in Adel, Leeds.
The metalwork sculpture was commissioned by social housing provider Stonewater for its latest development in Leeds at Dunstarn Lane, where it will provide 14 new three-bedroom homes for social rent and shared ownership.
‘Larkspur’, another name for the delphinium, is a metal sculpture showcasing the plant which grew in abundance in the gardens of the villa named The Heath that once stood on the site.
It was unveiled at an event hosted for those involved in the development of the new homes at Dunstarn Lane, which will provide a total of 43 new homes, being constructed by Camstead Homes and due to be completed later this year.
The artwork has been designed by George Fell, of Brian Fell & Son from nearby Barnsley, and was created to reflect on the villa’s history and former owner Henry Scurrah Wainwright who was known for his growing of prize delphinium plants during the 1900s.
He said: "The sculpture was inspired by the fact that a famous collection of Delphiniums once stood on this development, and it's been a pleasure working with Stonewater to create a piece that reflects that history.
"The sculpture has been created by beating steel by hand to form the flowers then layering them on top of one another to create vertical columns. The flowers have been finished with decorative welding techniques and it was finally galvanised to preserve it and give it an attractive silver finish.
"I’m very proud of the final piece. The natural forms conveyed in the sculpture harmonise with the pretty landscape around Dunstarn Lane. Hopefully they will be a symbol of positivity and abundance for the residents at this development."
Stonewater is known for its championing of local artists and inclusion of public art on its development sites across the country. The leading social housing provider runs the annual Blunden Prize, with this year’s winner recently announced as stonemason Patrick Walls, who will work with the local community to provide a series of sculptures for another Leeds site at Calverley Lane.
The Dunstarn Lane homes, developed in collaboration with Camstead Homes and Leeds City Council, will also include trim trail equipment, electric vehicle charging points and individual rear gardens.
Martin Fox, Head of Development (North) for Stonewater, said: "This is a wonderful development of new homes in a fantastic location and we’re looking forward to customers moving into these high-quality houses.
"We’re also extremely pleased to have worked with George Fell and the other development partners to provide this engaging and stunning sculpture for customers and the community to enjoy, particularly with its links to the fascinating past of the site. We know it will be enjoyed by many people for years to come.”
Councillor Caroline Anderson, who represents the Adel and Wharfedale ward added: "I was so pleased to have the chance to be one of the first people to see the new sculpture at the official unveiling. It will be a real talking point amongst residents and visitors to the estate.
"I had a chance to speak to one of the artists and it was really interesting to hear about the workmanship and the materials. It is nice to see the development evolving, the properties are unusual in their design and make a real statement in the landscape."