Published: Wednesday, 17th July 2024
Children from Eastgate School have paid a visit to see the permanent artwork that they helped to create for King’s Lynn.
The pupils and their teaching staff saw for themselves how the children’s input has helped to shape the new installation at the railway station which has been created by leading artists Annabel McCourt and Adrian Riley.
The piece centres on a design of two 8ft panels imprinted with split feathers which pay homage to the Norfolk tradition of travellers splitting the Grey Goose Feather. The tradition dictated that any fellow person who produced a split feather and an accompanying secret password was guaranteed help, whatever the personal cost.
The children were instrumental in devising a contemporary secret code for the artwork.
The Borough Council’s Cultural Officer Tim FitzHigham who like the children worked with Annabel and Adrian in the creation of the new works said: “It was amazing to spend time with the talented young people from Eastgate discussing the secret codes in the sculptures and the idea of friendship that these works represent.
“It’s such an inspiring and local story that anyone with half a grey feather who found anyone else who had one, would welcome them as a friend from the West Norfolk area. Now these two halves of the feather stand as a sculpture that welcomes people in friendship to King’s Lynn and let them into that secret feather code club too.”
Jane Hamilton the Borough Council’s Learning and Engagement Officer who worked with the children and artists throughout the project added: “The young people in our schools worked really hard in October to help think up the words for the codes in the sculpture and it was great to see them able to enjoy their work being a clear part of these sculptures. I hope the children and everyone else can enjoy these works for many years to come.”
The sculpture is one of two pieces recently installed in the town to add appeal to a rail to river route, with the second artwork located at St James’ Swimming Pool.
The children also helped to shape the design for this piece, which is themed around the changing shape of King’s Lynn over the centuries, as illustrated by the River Great Ouse and inspired by a map from 1588. Also in two parts, it one artwork that, when viewed from the right spot, will give the impression of moving water. This piece includes a Shakespeare quote from Richard II, who had firm links to King’s Lynn.
Local stakeholders were also instrumental in the development of the artwork. Following an open project call for artists in December 2022, submissions were shortlisted by a large panel of local stakeholders. A smaller panel subsequently interviewed the shortlisted artists before selecting Annabel McCourt and Adrian Riley to create the artwork, with their commitment to engage with young people and schools identified as a strength.
Councillor Simon Ring, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Business and Culture said: “This new artwork not only reflects the history of our area, it also looks to the future through the involvement of the children who have played such an important role in the creation of these pieces.
“It is great to see the artwork now installed, adding to the welcome that people receive as they arrive in to the town at the station, and enhancing a route from rail to river.
“This new artwork, coupled with the other improvements being delivered along this route, are making a visible impact.”
The new artwork is just one aspect of the Rail to River project. Other improvements that have already been delivered include new benches, fingerpost signage, and a digital sign at the station to promote events and activities to people coming into King’s Lynn.
And, recently, four new pop-up retail units have arrived on Purfleet Street which will soon be available for hire at affordable rates for retail use and by food and beverage businesses. Any small traders and businesses interested in renting these can register their interest by emailing: visionkl@west-norfolk.gov.uk
Further work is planned in the coming months with a new arch at the entrance to Purfleet Street set to be created. The arch has also been designed with the engagement of local children who have played an instrumental role in the ‘ecology’ themed design.
Harrison McNaught, King’s Lynn Town Deal Board’s Champion for the Rail to River project. said: “The rail to river project is helping to improve the appeal and accessibility of different sites and locations in the town centre.
“The new artwork helps to make the rail to route more attractive, and convey aspects of our local history.
“These pieces, together with the wider improvements that are being delivered, will help to make it easier for people to come in and enjoy all that King’s Lynn has to offer.”