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Tyndale, Penn
and
Chatterton by Lawrence
Holofcener
At-Bristol undertook a major Public Art
commissioning programme linking the public open spaces themed around
reflection and exploration. The Public Art complements the rich
architectural heritage of the site and extends the themes of
Explore and the former Wildwalk
by encouraging people to look at the World in a new way. By animating
the public spaces the Public Art helps to create a unique urban space.
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William
Penn, William Tyndale and Thomas Chatterton by
Lawrence Holofcener continue Bristol’s tradition of commemorating
eminent people from the City’s past through publicly sited sculpture. Spanning three centuries Penn, Tyndale and Chatterton were
all communicators who left a lasting legacy through the founding of
Pennsylvania (Penn), the translation of the Bible (Tyndale), and poetry (Chatterton).
The nature of Holofcener’s sculptures invite the public to interact with
them – to temporarily distract them from their work. |
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Lawrence
Holofcener’s informal group of three very different men from three
different centuries, all with a strong Bristol connection, provides an
opportunity for visitors to At-Bristol to reflect on their relevance
today. Tyndale (1492 – 1536) translated the bible into the
vernacular from the Greek ‘original’, and was among the first to
recognise the power of the printing press. Penn (1644-1718) was a Quaker
and an outspoken advocate of civil and religious liberty. As the founder
and proprietor of Pennsylvania he sought to create an ideal Christian
commonwealth and his efforts advanced the American tradition of freedom of
worship. Chatterton (1752-1770) was a poet
- an original genius as well as an adept imitator, he used 15th
century language but a modern approach. After failing to get his work
published he killed himself at 17.
American
born Holofcener now lives on the Isle of Wight, and is perhaps best known
for Allies – the life-size
bronze which is a tribute to the partnership between Winston Churchill and
Franklin Roosevelt which has become one of London’s most appealing
attractions – placed in the pedestrian area in Old Bond Street where
visitors pose for photographs between the two statesmen – just as they
will with Penn, Tyndale and Chatterton in Bristol!
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