Sculpture Commission

Three artists have been selected from a total of 61 expressions of interest to create the new £80,000 commission at Kings Hill. The brief to artists was issued by the Kent County Council Arts Development Unit on behalf of the commissioners, Kings Hill development partners Liberty Property Trust UK and Kent County Council. All were impressed by the level of interest.

A panel, including representatives of the local community and individuals with significant experience in both commissioning and creating of public art, was appointed to select the shortlist and eventual winner. The judges include Mark Davy of Futurecity (who is also involved with the Ebbsfleet Landmark commission); contemporary artist Nicole Mollett; Andrew Blevins, managing director of Liberty Property Trust UK Ltd; Sarah Barker, chairman of Kings Hill parish council and Jack Heskett of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s Youth Forum.

“The calibre of artists was exceptionally high”, said Andrew Blevins. “We announced our search for an artist at the Rouse Kent Public Art Award ceremony back in May and are absolutely delighted with the number of entries, which reflects the increasing popularity of public art. We are looking for an artist who can create a work that is sensitive to the environment in which it is to be placed and contributes to the ongoing place making for the residential and business communities at Kings Hill and visitors.”

The new work will be installed on the roundabout between Discovery Drive and Beacon Avenue, in a recently developed section of the residential area of Kings Hill and the shortlisted artists are:

James Hopkins

James' proposal focuses on a sphere that will assimilate the imagined action of driving and circumnavigating the roundabout. It will be a reflection of its environment and the panel was attracted to the contemporary design of this artwork and were impressed by the artist’s previous work.

Richard Perry

Richard proposes a large vertical bronze structure that will complement the roundabout in a contextual way to give a feeling of movement. The panel was impressed by previous examples of his work and admired his proposed design for an elegant yet powerful artwork.

Andy Scott

Andy has chosen to develop a theme based on the semi-rural and pastoral tranquillity of the area. In his proposal nature, personified by a stag, clambers over a reclining figure. He hopes to evoke a notion of the balance of nature within the built environment. The panel was particularly drawn to the imaginative nature of this proposal and its originality and freshness.


Each artist has made a maquette (model) of their work which are available to view at Queen Street, Liberty Square.  A 'Public View' of the maquettes was held on Wednesday 30th September, hosted by Mark Davy of Futurecity.  Members of the public were invited to attend the evening event or to view the maquettes at Liberty Square and feedback their thoughts and comments.

“When we sell land to homebuilders we put a percentage into a fund to create public art at Kings Hill,” said Andrew Blevins. “We have some very exciting artists on the shortlist and whatever the winner produces will further enhance the development. This is a major investment and we are delighted by the response from the art world to this commission.”

Once commissioned, it is expected that the work will be installed in Spring 2010. The chosen artist will receive up to £80,000 to create and install the design. The fee has been raised from the sale of land for houses at Kings Hill.