The Roof of the Royal Academy

I had two work meetings yesterday just by Burlington Arcade, opposite the Royal Academy of Arts near Picadilly. The roof of the Academy is just so extraordinary that I had to take some pictures, and share them with you. Note the human sculptures. As you will also see, there is a tremendous clock on the roof, sadly not set at the right time. Nevertheless, it is an example of remarkable craftmanship. The RA website is HERE.

By Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Harlow as a Sculpture Town - More details

Further to my post about Harlow, now designated as a sculpture town, I just came across this passage on the web:

"The most lauded marriage between art and a new town occurred at Harlow, which grew rapidly from a small, scattered rural population to a thriving centre for over 70,000people. It eventually acquired a sculpture collection larger than any other British town of similar size…"
Richard Cork in E. Rosenberg and Richard Cork, Architects’ Choice: Art and Architecture in Great Britain Since 1945, (Thames and Hudson, London, 1992), p. 52.

More details can be found HERE (you will need to scroll down a little). It makes most interesting reading. It shows some pictures, explains the history and sitings of all the main sculptures in Harlow.

Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Fuel for the brain

One of the most interesting chaps in Harlow, is John Curry, Vice Chairman of Harlow Civic Society and renowned cyclist. Every time you have a conversation with him, it is like being fed fuel for the brain. This is because John knows so much about the history of Harlow, its architecture, and does all he can to preserve the Town's unique heritage. You don't have to agree with everything that John says (although much of what he suggests makes sense), but you can't help be drawn to his passion and commitment.

Yesterday, I met with John, in Broadwalk, just by the Trigon Sculpture (By Lynn Chadwick), a great example of the reason why Harlow has now been designated a 'Sculpture Town'. John's tireless work over many months has seen The Trigon view restored. Instead of being obstructed by unsightly poles, and telephone boxes, the sculpture can now be seen in all its glory, as John's constant lobbying has seen the Pole taken away and the BT kiosks moved farther down Broadwalk. Harlow is lucky to have such a man as John Curry. The picture shows John standing by The Trigon, - without unsightly pole!

Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com