WILTSHIRE, UK.-A stunning 2.5 metre high curved glass artwork created by internationally-renowned textile artist Carole Waller and commissioned by The Pound will be unveiled in August ahead of the reopening of the Corsham-based arts centre in the autumn following a £1.2 million refurbishment.

This architectural structure – funded by Arts Council England, South West – will be a striking feature of the gallery and foyer area at the arts centre which has undergone a 15-month refurbishment financed by North Wiltshire District Council.

The fibre artwork is enclosed within a curved glass wall by the main entrance to the building which is due to reopen to the public in early September.

With support from Arts Council England, Carole has developed a unique technique that involves sealing her fragile fabric creations within tough architectural glass.

Nick Capaldi, Arts Council England, South West Executive Director said:
‘We’re delighted that Pound Arts has selected Carole to create this artwork as part of their refurbishment. Arts Council funding helped Carole to develop this new technique for enclosing fabric in glass. I’m very much looking forward to seeing Carole’s new creation in situ.

‘I believe it will help to create a stunning first impression for visitors entering the building. In an age where design is often standard and mediocre, it’s very important that we have opportunities to create unique public art that is special and distinctive.’

The artwork is the largest of its type created by Carole at her studio near Box and involved the textile artwork being fused between two layers of curved laminate glass.

‘Carole’s work is concerned with a sense of place and our relationship with our surroundings – this specially-commissioned work relates to the arts centre and its activities beautifully,’ said Nicholas Keyworth, artistic director of The Pound.

The artwork created by Carole Waller is the first of two commissions linked to the refurbishment of The Pound.

Artists Merlyn Chesterman and Rod Nelson have been commissioned to create artwork which will be a feature of the arts centre’s new 110-seat auditorium – this is due to be unveiled in late September.