Hew Locke pictured at Runnymede- Photography NT:Sophia Schorr-Kon
As part of a wide programme of celebratory events taking place this summer, The National Trust and Surrey County Council have commissioned artist Hew Locke to create a public artwork at Runnymede, the location where the Magna Carta was sealed on 15 June 1215.
Hew, who is a BA Painting tutor here at Camberwell, was selected through a competitive process led by Bristol based art producers Situations. Known for their ground-breaking approach to public art, Situations are now working with Hew to create his work which will be unveiled this summer.
Hew Locke. ‘Ruined’. Public artwork in Brunswick Square Cemetery gardens, Bristol. Photograph © Jamie Woodley
Hew is an internationally recognised artist whose work explores visual expressions of power, particularly through royal portraiture, coats-of-arms, public statuary, trophies, weaponry and costume. His work is represented in many collections including The Pérez Art Museum Miami, The Tate Gallery, The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and The Victoria & Albert Museum Drawing Collection, London.
He has also exhibited worldwide in India, New York & Venice and in 2014 presented his first performance piece ‘Give and Take’ in the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern, London.
Speaking about this opportunity Hew said;
“This is the most important commission of my career to date. Runnymede is a beautiful and important historic site, so to create a piece of art here is a real responsibility. You don’t get this sort of opportunity too often in your life”.
Hew’s artwork will be unveiled at Runnymede on 15 June 2015 as part of the Magna Carta 800th Anniversary celebrations.
Related links:
www.arts.ac.uk/camberwell/courses/undergraduate/ba-painting/