A new sculpture from a renowned Coventry artist has been unveiled in the courtyard garden of a new apartment development for the elderly.
George Wagstaffe, famed for such works as The Phoenix and The Naiad, has created the new sculpture named ‘Waters of Separation’ for Bond’s Lodge on Hill Street.
He was commissioned to create a centrepiece for the large courtyard garden by Coventry Church (Municipal) Charities, which runs the new £6.8 million almshouse.
Residents, Coventry dignitaries and friends of the charity were invited to a ceremony to celebrate the new sculpture.
The sculpture, which features two bronze figures linked with a water installation, is joined by a poem penned by Wagstaffe, which can be read on a nearby plaque.
One of the bronze figures is in the image of Wagstaffe’s late wife Beryl, and the roots of the new installation can be traced back to time spent in Wales during the latter stages of Beryl’s illness.
George Wagstaffe said: “The sculpture was originally a painting I did of the same title. The idea is to show separation through, death, illness, divorce or any other means.
“The water running between the two figures runs away and then also runs together showing how, while separation divides, it can also unify.
“The poem came later when I was walking through fields near my studio. I looked into a pond and it was so clear. I could see the clouds and sky mirrored in the calm pool. There was a slight breeze and in that slight breeze, everything shattered. That showed how life can change in an instant.
“It’s a lovely setting here at Bond’s Lodge. Very much like The Naiad I did 60 years ago; this sculpture is part of the landscape. It’s a beautiful setting amongst flowers, plants and water.”
Lord Mayor of Coventry Cllr John McNicholas with Lady Mayoress June McNicholas were in attendance for their first engagement since being appointed to the roles.
The unveiling event also saw an address from Methodist minister Pauline Warner, who discussed her friendship with Wagstaffe and Beryl.
Pauline said: “I work at Abbey Park Methodist Nursing home in Whitley, and it was there that I first met George and Beryl. Her mind was razor sharp and stayed sharp to the end.
“George has called his work the Waters of Separation and it is the experience of being separated from Beryl that has driven this piece.
“Everyone who has moved or will be moving into these new apartments carry with them memories of their lives.
“I’m certain that in this lovely garden there will be more laughter than weeping, as the people from Bond’s Lodge sit here and together share their memories.”
Victor Keene MBE, Chairman of Coventry Church (Municipal) Charities, added: “It’s a magnificent sculpture and the perfect centrepiece to the courtyard garden here at Bond’s Lodge.
“We have an artwork at each of our Almshouses in Coventry – which now house over 150 residents. We’re not only looking after the comfort of our residents, there is a spiritual dimension, and the work of art helps to fill that need.
“George is a well-known, highly-respected artist and we’re pleased he worked with us on this sculpture.
“We’re now at full-capacity at Bond’s Lodge and the residents love it here. This new sculpture will only add to that experience.”
PICTURE CAPTION: From left to right - Matthew White, Victor Keene MBE, Pauline Warner, George Wagstaffe, Lord Mayor of Coventry Cllr John McNicholas and Lady Mayoress June McNicholas