Public Art Unveiled For Historic City Landmark
06 Nov 2013

Three commissioned public works of art have been unveiled in the grounds of Linden Homes’ Royal Barham House development in Truro, to commemorate the former Royal Cornwall Infirmary.

Artist Giles Penny, a British sculptor best known for his abstract versions of the human form, designed two of the three works of art with Lavigne Lonsdale designing the third.

The first piece, ‘man with arms open’ was designed by Penny and is a spectacular eight foot high, good quality bronze casting of the human form, intended to create an imposing and expressive presence. It is positioned at ground level so that visitors have the opportunity to directly interact with it. The second piece, ‘cat (on a bench)’ consists of a representational cast iron cat placed on an existing bench.

Lepers arch gate was designed by Lavigne Lonsdale, with the intention to mark the significance of the historical archway in a subtle and respectful way. The arch preserves its historical roots through the words ‘Former City Hospital 1799,’ a reference to the date in which the former city hospital first opened, inscribed through the middle of the gate. There is also a plaque on the arch to state how the arch miraculously survived the bombing raids of the Second World War.

Speaking about his artwork, Penny said: “The location and the view over Truro is breathtaking, the newly restored hospital has created a new and exciting sense of place and the ‘man with arms open’ sculpture helps to create a presence that is fitting for such a location.”

Linden Homes has transformed the former Royal Cornwall Infirmary into 19 beautiful apartments. The hospital was derelict after it closed in 1999 and has been lovingly transformed into two, three and four bedroom luxury homes.

The development is open daily from 10am – 5pm, off Corte Spry, Truro, TR1 2JB. For more details call 0844 417 8399.

-ENDS-

For further information, contact Emma Mackay on 01626 356666 or email emma.mackay@lindenhomes.co.uk