Riverview Park

Project: Riverview Park, Derry/Londonderry

Commission date: January 2009
Client: Derry City Council
Duration: This project is still active

In January 2009 we were successful in our bid to design and supply several pieces of sculpture in Riverview Park, a public and childrens' play park.  We proposed several ideas; Tall playful figures; Bespoke sculpture seating; Individual concrete seats; Park signage; Reclamation of one section of the park that is underused.    

Fabrication began on the tall figures using the community groups' work as a template, while continuing to allow the pieces to evolve and develop. The figures were fabricated from Mild steel stock, section, and plate; each took around a month to complete. 

Standing up to 3.5 metres tall, they weigh around 180KG each and will be bolted to a foundation in the park.  They have been galvanised by NK Coatings.

 We ran workshops in which participants built tall figures from craft materials, which were then in turn wrapped in plaster-of-paris. Several Schools took part, as well as youth and comunity groups. Lettering was designed from coloured paper to be used to print a vinyl sign to be mounted on the railings of the park.

 The council and other invested parties are really pleased with the work thus far, and, pending full planning permission, are excited to see the installation completed.  

 Image: Bishop Street youth club, used with permission

 The sculptural seat is a collection of local history, incorpoarting imagery of the local mill, the docks, St Patrick, Amelia Earhart who landed near Derry after her transatlantic flight, the local shirt factory, and the Oak tree which had significance to the park.

The seat took around one month to make, using mild steel stock. Hand fabricated in its entirety, the finished piece weighs around 300KG and has been galvanised.  Rolling box-section and pipe, the seat is comfortable and useable, while the upright back section is a playful arrangement of history.

The Concrete seats take their designs dierctly from schools' workshops. Pupils were asked to produce rectangular sketches which have been joined together and will become concrete forms; the seats will be cast in white conrete with the outer surfaces embossed with the childrens' designs.

 A public day in the park was held to present the final designs, which was attended by council and community representatives. The public were really happy with the project and at this stage a planning application was submitted.

Below is a gallery of lots more pictures of the project, from design, throughcommunity work and fabrication.   [click on a thumbnail]