We have commissioned Kent-based sculptor, Jason Mulligan, for a public art project at Monchelsea Park, our community of 302 homes in Maidstone.
Mulligan will create a sculpture that will sit at the heart of the community on the village green, designed to reflect and celebrate the site’s history. We have commissioned the talented sculptor through Maidstone based Public Art Consultants, FrancisKnight.
About Jason Mulligan
Mulligan is a contemporary sculptor specialising in stone. He has been involved in a wide variety of public art projects across the UK and Eire, many of which relate to archaeological and anthropological objects.
As part of the research, Mulligan has looked at the existing ecology and landscape, in particular the established trees and new village green which both offer a great focal point and a perfect place to site a newly commissioned artwork.
The research also discovered the site’s historical use as agricultural land and meadowland, containing crops such as hops, fruit and grain. Meanwhile, ancient woodland Bicknor Wood lies adjacent to the site and there are many mature trees within the site, providing home to a variety of wildlife.
Jason will work with ‘Ancaster Weatherbed’ which is an English Limestone and a local Bronze Foundry to produce a design that combines beautiful stonework and bronze cast elements.
Workshop with Langley Park Primary Academy
As part of the project, Mulligan provided an education session with nearby school, Langley Park Primary Academy. On Thursday 19th and Friday 20th May, he delivered two workshops with 29 students in Year 6.
This collaborative workshop involved hammer and chisel training, followed by creating draft designs and motifs for decorating sculptures. Mulligan was able to discuss his plans for the installation and their ideas will be considered as part of the final works.
Alan White, Marketing Manager for South East comments: “Public art is such a valuable part of a new community, providing a way for residents and locals to celebrate a site’s rich heritage. We are delighted to be working with Jason Mulligan at Monchelsea Park, an expert at creating sculptures that appreciate the natural world. His workshop with Langley Park Primary Academy is a great way of ensuring that local students can hear about the project and feed into the designs, all while learning about sculpting as a potential career path.”
Jason Mulligan comments: “I am delighted to have been commissioned for Redrow’s public art project at Monchelsea Park. Being able to discuss the design and fabrication process with the bright and talented students at Langley Park Primary Academy was great fun. Their ideas and thoughts were so refreshing and playful that they have definitely given me a lot of food for thought as I look to design the final piece.”
Mr Dodds at Langley Park Primary Academy comments: “Jason’s brilliant workshop for our pupils last week left many feeling inspired. It was a great opportunity for the children to show off their creative skills, while learning about how art can interact with the built environment. As we are based so close to Monchelsea Park, it was fantastic to be part of this public art project.”
Monchelsea Park is a community of 302 homes on the edge of Maidstone. The site features a mix of apartments and houses from our award winning Heritage Collection, inspired by the Arts & Crafts architectural movement. While exteriors are traditional, characterising the popular aesthetic that was archetypal of the 1930s, interiors are bright and modern.
Monchelsea Park is set within carefully planned areas of green space, including a central village green where the new installation will sit. Wildflowers, tree lined streets and meadows have been specially incorporated into the development to increase biodiversity, whilst also making Monchelsea Park a beautiful place to live. Within walking and cycling distance are schools, supermarkets, a garden centre, pubs, and restaurants, including the popular Potting Shed a nearby restaurant and hotel.
To find out more about the development, please visit: www.redrow.co.uk/developments/monchelsea-park-maidstone-212704
To find out more about Jason Mulligan, please visit: https://www.jasonmulligansculpture.com/
