DORMOUSE
4.2 x 2.1 m aluminium sculpture
Picket Piece, Andover, Hampshire (2023)
Commissioned by Test Valley Borough Council
Picket Piece, Andover, Hampshire (2023)
Commissioned by Test Valley Borough Council
Created in collaboration with Vigo Primary School, Winton Community Academy and the residents of Picket Piece.
The shape of the sculpture is a hazel dormouse which was chosen via nature-themed creative activities with local school pupils and residents, and a public vote. This little animal is the subject of a number of conservation projects in the area, hazel hedgerows are what has given rise to the dormouse community and these are now as protected as the mouse itself. The dormouse has therefore helped to shape the local landscape.
There are maps of the Picket Piece area from 1897, 1958 and 2022 engraved onto the dormouse’s side, documenting the changing land use. The artwork is made up of many triangles relating to the fact that, historically, a ‘picket’ was used to describe a triangular piece of land. The location of the artwork was selected by local residents through a walking activity. Finally, the sculpture is embellished with children’s drawings representing themes of community, friendship, love, nature and landscape.
The shape of the sculpture is a hazel dormouse which was chosen via nature-themed creative activities with local school pupils and residents, and a public vote. This little animal is the subject of a number of conservation projects in the area, hazel hedgerows are what has given rise to the dormouse community and these are now as protected as the mouse itself. The dormouse has therefore helped to shape the local landscape.
There are maps of the Picket Piece area from 1897, 1958 and 2022 engraved onto the dormouse’s side, documenting the changing land use. The artwork is made up of many triangles relating to the fact that, historically, a ‘picket’ was used to describe a triangular piece of land. The location of the artwork was selected by local residents through a walking activity. Finally, the sculpture is embellished with children’s drawings representing themes of community, friendship, love, nature and landscape.