Blenheim Estate Homes reveals designs for new obelisk

October 10, 2024

Blenheim Estate Homes has released the first design sketches for a new limestone obelisk, which will be the centrepiece in Market Square at its Park View development in Woodstock village, Oxfordshire. The designs across the obelisk panels embrace three themes which incorporate key elements of Blenheim Estate’s legacy principles – heritage and environment, building and community, inclusivity and togetherness. The obelisk is due to be completed and unveiled in Spring 2026, and will mark the end of construction work at Park View.

Heritage and Environment – the river goddess / Mother Nature releases a swallow which will join others as they make their way through the triptych. Exploring the Thames’ origins, plant life taken from Park View and a celebration of nature.

Building and Community – a welcoming house incorporating a grand pediment and pilasters, its roof of books, the image is populated with the features in and around Woodstock, drawn from the wealth of cultural images and motifs in the village – including mulberry trees, animals and the swallow which is represented in each panel.

Inclusivity and Togetherness – inspired by the bronze statue in the Gardens at Blenheim Palace. On a classical style with concepts of fluidity and hybrids, the Sphinx-type figure sits proudly while local children ride on its back. The third child is helping up a fourth child – showing that inclusivity isn’t just a static thing but we all need to help each other if we are all going to enjoy its benefits.

The new piece of public art is being created by two emerging and talented carvers – Alex Waddell and Freya Morris, who were selected through a competition open to all graduate and early career carvers based in the UK who work in wood or stone. The competition formed part of the Grinling Gibbons 300 Festival which ran from August 2021 to August 2022, coordinated by the Grinling Gibbons Society, to celebrate the work and vibrant legacy of this astonishing craftsman.

The Park View Monument Project is a collaboration between the winning carvers, the Master Carvers Association, Blenheim Estate, Blenheim Estate Homes, Pye Homes, ADAM Architecture and West Oxfordshire District Council. ADAM Architecture is masterplanner and architect for the Park View development.

The brief was to produce a design for an original piece of work inspired by Grinling Gibbons, a 17th century English sculptor and woodcarver widely regarded as the finest in England, whose work is exhibited at Blenheim Palace. Entrants were given eight weeks to sculpt a maquette and carve their piece, working in their own workshop space or company, mentored by Nick Roberson, secretary of the Master Carvers Association throughout the process.

Roger File, Managing Director, Blenheim Real Estate, said: “This exciting new piece of public art will be a permanent bond between the new residents of Park View and the wider Blenheim Estate, providing a proud focus for this new community. We are thrilled to finally give people a preview of what the obelisk will look like – we can’t wait to see the finished piece installed at Park View.”

The limestone and sandstone for the obelisk is being generously donated by Medusa Stonemasonry Limited in Somerton, Somerset. The three carving panels and one lettering panel have been kindly donated by Portland Stone Firms Ltd from carefully selected Portland limestone.

Nick Laurence, Managing Director at Medusa Stone Masonry, commented: “Medusa is pleased to support Blenheim in this Public Realm project and ADAM Architecture on the detailed design for the obelisk. Designed and manufactured by our masons at our workshops from Cadeby limestone and Peak Moor sandstone, this is a major piece of work that will I have no doubt add to the value and be a benefit to the local community.”

Mike Smith, Managing Director at Portland Stone Firms said: “Portland Stone Firms are delighted to add our heritage material to a worthy project. Carefully selected from Broadcroft quarry, the environmentally sourced panels complement the public space whilst providing a deep connection to their past. Our natural material gives a raw connection whilst showing what is possible from worthy initiatives.

Hugh Petter, Director, ADAM Architecture, said: “Opportunities to practise and to keep traditional craft skills alive are few and far between and, by inclusion of the obelisk as a central point in the design for Park View, we can help to support young carvers with work that is relevant and meaningful. The Blenheim and Grinling Gibbons connections make this particular situation all the more appropriate and provide another link between past, present and future for this outstanding site.”

Blenheim Estate Homes’ long-standing development partner, Pye Homes, planned and built Park View with a blend o history and captivating landscapes complemented by contemporary living.

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