History Tree (maquette), 2011, stainless steel, acrylic, MDF, 90 x 60 x 50 cm

This is a collaborative project with sculptor Anne Schwegmann-Fielding for the new Kent History & Library Centre in Maidstone.  

An autumnal mosaic tree in extends across the paving at the main entrance . Its leaves are engraved bronze, with text and images to reflect the history of Kent and the thoughts and memories of its people. Collectively these form a “family tree” of the county.

Rising up the library wall from the paved tree is a polished stainless steel sapling, sculpted to depict life through all seasons. At the base of the tree fruit and new buds appear, and as you follow the form upwards, leaves unfurl and fade, and blossom blooms to form new fruit at the very top.

History Tree - paving samples

The second phase of the commission will be a way marking scheme, with ongoing community engagement to help generate trails of metal/mosaic leaves “scattered” throughout Maidstone leading pedestrians to the new library.