Maggi Hambling Brixton Heron

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Minnie!

I'm normally keeping an eye on something else

Oh, and I only saw it because the person I was with pointed it out to me and then I remembered about it and was able to tell them all about it, despite never having seen it

 

[twistedAM]

Trouble is, most Brixton folks I've mentioned the Heron thing to have no idea it's there. I haven't a problem with public art mind, but this is in a terrible location.

Herons like water...it should have been in the fountain on Windrush Square

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Herons like water...it should have been in the fountain on Windrush Square

ahem

I reckon a good place for it would be on top of that pathetic fountain in the new square. The fountain's barely noticeable anyway so a heron plonked on top of it might make it more noticeable

 

[ajdown]

I still think more people would have enjoyed the fireworks display.

 

[Orang Utan]

I still think more people would have enjoyed the fireworks display.

don't worry, it's eid at the end of the week. there's bound to be some fireworks

 

[editor]

Herons like water...it should have been in the fountain on Windrush Square

Fountain? Brixton puddle more like!

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

Fountain? Brixton puddle more like!

I reckon a puddle would have more water than that fountain

 

[plurker]

don't worry, it's eid The Thames Festival at the end of the week. there's bound to be some fireworks on sunday at 2145

Ah, go on then

 

[twistedAM]

ahem

You don't expect me to read a whole thread about a fucking sculpture above a fried chicken shop do you?

On the other hand, great minds think alike:

 

[Minnie_the_Minx]

You don't expect me to read a whole thread about a fucking sculpture above a fried chicken shop do you?

On the other hand, great minds think alike:

I dunno, considering your diet, I'd have thought it might be a place you liked

True about great minds though

I've yet to see this fountain close up. In fact, I've not even set foot on the new square. Maybe I'll make it an outing one day

 

[Maggot]

Maggie Hambling is about to be on the Robert Elms show on BBC London talking about the Heron.

 

[timothysutton1]

Maggie Hambling ... Robert Elms show...

Nice lady, but didn't know why she was asked, admitted the piece was made in Suffolk and didn't have a clue what Brixton locals thought of it.

 

[OpalFruit]

Having something made in Suffolk isn't an arrestable offence, is it? If I was a sculptor I would work with technicians I knew and trusted.

And I don't know why she doesn't know what people think - if they don't like it they petition to get it removed, don't they, like in Aldeburgh!

 

[paolo]

Nice lady, but didn't know why she was asked, admitted the piece was made in Suffolk and didn't have a clue what Brixton locals thought of it.

Out of interest, do you have an agenda with regards to Lambeth Council Arts budgets & support, specifically your events?

When you prosecute these public campaigns, is everyone clear on your agenda, and your personal interests?

 

[timothysutton1]

...public campaigns...

Lambeth Council are a public body so surely open for public debate.

 

[boohoo]

I did write wonder why money was spent on new art whilst our Brixton murals are rotting. The aim of the Brixton Public Art project was to encourage more shoppers to visit Brixton. I love what they have done with the shutters but I'm not sure this is suddenly going to create a mass of new visitors to Brixton. However the murals have attracted public interest including a project done by kids in Durham about the murals.

I would imagine that their funding has dictated new artworks and restoration is not within their remit. However, it's disappointing as they fall apart.

 

[OpalFruit]

I am really enjoying this weathervane. Every time I come down Brixton Hill I watch it swinging, or in it's new angle.
Thank you Maggi Hambling and Lambeth Physical Regen. It's something to celebrate.

 

[editor]

*Poll added. Let the people speak!

 

[timothysutton1]

My original question was about value for money, not whether it looks pretty. Oh well.

 

[editor]

My original question was about value for money, not whether it looks pretty. Oh well.

Shame you didn't state that in the thread title, then.

Give a thread a general title, and general discussion inevitably follows.

 

[OpalFruit]

I think it is good value for money.
And could be used to rally support and interest around the arts and CCIs in Brixton, for everyone's benefit. If only everyone wasn't so busy looking to their own interests.

Put most art up against the general public and ask if it is good value for money and very few will say yes. Whether it be on the fourth plinth, the roof of KFC or hung on the railings in Josephine Ave. The difference being of course, that those who say yes to that in Josephine Ave vote with their own wallet. But ask if they want it subsidised, and the electorate may well vote 'no'.

 

[paolo]

...If only everyone wasn't so busy looking to their own interests...

Or at least transparent about them.

 

[timothysutton1]

...But ask if they want it subsidised, and the electorate may well vote 'no'.

Wrong. From my experience of running free events which promote local artists in their own communities the reaction has always been "why ISN'T the council supporting this?"

 

[timothysutton1]

Council staff costs

The Council will not disclose their staff costs on the project so it looks like we'll never know the full cost of the Heron.

This is their reply via the WhatDoTheyKnow site...

Having considered your request further I should advise that Lambeth Staff costs in relation to this piece of work are not recorded as you suggest. We are of the view that the information is not recorded information for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act. This was a piece of work that formed part of a large programme of works and as such we cannot see how we can provide a realistic estimate of the Lambeth staff costs for this piece of work.​

 

[Rushy]

Wrong. From my experience of running free events which promote local artists in their own communities the reaction has always been "why ISN'T the council supporting this?"

I guess that people you come across at free community art events may tend towards those who value art in the community. Opal is talking about the general public / electorate so I'm not sure that your experience, valuable as it is, is broad enough to categorically negate the suggestion that there is a chance that the electorate in general might not be so supportive.

 

[timothysutton1]

I guess....

...and we do surveys and questionnaires.

 

[editor]

Wrong. From my experience of running free events which promote local artists in their own communities the reaction has always been "why ISN'T the council supporting this?"

I've run free events in Brixton for five years promoting local artists (poets/bands/DJs/film makers) and I've never expected the council to support it.

 

[Gixxer1000]

Isnt Dex listed?

 

[editor]

Isnt Dex listed?

I wouldn't think so seeing as it's been substantially altered.

 

[Gixxer1000]

Dosent necessarily preclude it. My main objection to the oil drenched bird on the turd is that is appears to large and disproportionate. The tenuous Brixton connection is laughable as well.