Root Down - public art

Our initial ideas for the public art for a new housing block in Brixton were about linking the building with the history of the area and with the park opposite. This would make the work unique and fitting for the site. It was also very important to us to create a generous piece, that would welcome residents to their new homes as well as offering something to the other people living nearby who had been through the disruption of building.

Research showed that the building is sited on the historic orchards for Loughborough House, bequeathed in 1664 to Henry Hastings, the first Lord Loughborough, for his support during the Civil War. Our proposal involved minimalist corten steel sculptures representing fruit trees. Each tree is individual and holds an inscription about a place significant to history of the area. A secret viewing hole directs the curious viewer towards the site. Ten of these sculptures have been installed around the building.

The second phase involved planting an ‘edible avenue’ of heritage fruit trees in Wyck Gardens, the park opposite. A new access gate allows public entry to the park, previously the gate had been several hundred meters away. Our aim is to encourage use of the green space.

The project was commissioned by the housing association Metropolitan Thames Valley.