HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS AT THE MILLSTONES

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 3 October 2017

UPDATED: 3 October 2017

Six mosaic sculptures have been installed at David Wilson Homes’ Queniborough development The Millstones on Melton Road. 

 

 

The public art, which will be located on Millstone Road at the development, has been commissioned by David Wilson Homes as part of the planning agreement with Charnwood Borough Council, and designed by Mosaic Artist Julie Vernon.

The artwork includes a millstone sculpture made from colourful glass mosaics and five natural stone pieces, which continue the bright and inspirational theme with different coloured mosaics worked into them.  

In a bid to consult local residents before designing the artwork, Julie worked closely with the developers to host a public workshop at Syston Town Hall, where members of the WI, local history group and friendship group were asked for their opinions on what artwork they would like to see.

From the feedback, where people expressed they wanted something colourful that used natural elements of stonework, Julie started working on the pieces which took just over six months to create.

Since the development is called ‘The Millstones’ she also came up with the design of a millstone sculpture in the style of a colour wheel, which is the focus piece of the mosaic works.

Julie, who has her own studio in Edwalton, Nottinghamshire, said:

“I feel really privileged to have been asked to do the public art work for the Queniborough development and that David Wilson Homes had the trust and confidence in me to execute the design in its entirety.

“They allowed me great freedom with the design and I’m really thrilled with the end results. It has been one of the most rewarding projects I have worked on and really hope that the success of this leads to other public art projects in the future.

“I think adding an element of public art to new homes development is really important, bringing a uniqueness and personality to the neighborhood. It makes our surroundings inspiring, colourful and happy places to be and hopefully generates a conversation, encouraging people to think and pay attention to their environment.”

Mosaics were chosen because they are a great medium for outside spaces as the tiles are fully weatherproof, frost resistant and do not fade in sunlight over time so hold their colour and vibrancy.

Julie cut and shaped the materials by hand for an individual, textured feel and rarely used whole tiles.

The stone boulders were sourced and carved by local sculptor Graeme Mitcheson, with each piece weighing around two tonnes.

Graeme said:

“I think David Wilson Homes recognises that public art is an important tool for helping to give new spaces an identity. It should be inspired by its environment and the heritage of the area in which it is placed.”

Jason Hearn, Sales Director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, said:

“The sculptures installed at our Queniborough development have been designed with the local area in mind, which is a fantastic way to reflect such a sought after area of Leicestershire.

“We wanted to choose something that would complement the area’s surroundings and thought this would be a great way to enhance our development.

“Thanks to the hard work of Julie, the residents at The Millstones now have these amazing and inspirational pieces of art to enjoy for a very long time.”

The Millstones is set on the edge of the traditional Leicestershire village of Queniborough bordering open countryside.

It is also just a short walk or drive away from Syston’s bustling town centre and only a few miles from Leicester city centre, offering you the ideal balance of country and town living.

With fantastic links to Syston’s train station, the A46, and the A1, it’s the ideal place for commuters.

The onsite marketing suite is open Monday from 12.30pm until 5.30pm and 10.00am to 5.30pm Thursday to Sunday where you can find out more about what The Millstones has to offer.

The remaining three and four bedroom homes are currently available to reserve, with prices starting from £254,995.

For more information on David Wilson Homes please call the sales team on 0844 811 5544 or visit www.dwh.co.uk

To find out more about Julie’s work, please visit: www.julievernonmosaics.com

 

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