Over the years we have had several sculptures exhibited on loan on Brentford Dock. They have helped to reinforce and project a quality for the Brentford Dock estate.
We will shortly be losing the four sculptures we have currently on loan. Three by Michael Lyons, located on the side of the marina will leave at the end of October 2011. Also it was announced by the Board (19th October 2011) that Allan Sly’s sculpture, “A Moment’s Reflection” will remain on loan on Brentford Dock until Jan 2012 after which, if the residents do not wish to purchase it for £12,000, it will be removed.
The three sculptures created by Michael Lyons, arrived in November 2004 and are located around the marina which include ‘Mayflower 1’ and ‘Cavalcade’ and have been selected for 'London Bridge City Sculpture Exhibition', Hays Galleria (Hays Wharf) London 2011/12.
Mayflower 1's viewing notes state:
"This abstract sculpture was named after the engineering company in Sheffield where it was made. Although it is not intended to represent a mayflower (or indeed anything else) the bright colour of the main element, together with its roughly circular shape, makes the name feel appropriate. Like all purely abstract sculpture it is about itself, and the relationship it makes with the viewer and the space that contains it. There are two main parts to consider: the dominant one is the shallow concave curve with its immediately friendly form that suggests an enveloping embrace. The applied colour reinforces that response, hinting at a sunny disposition. However, the severe and heavy looking 'beam' that balances across the top of it could be felt as a more threatening presence. In spite of that, the yellow dish seems to bear its weight effortlessly, with no distortion of shape, colour or surface. If there is a burden being borne here it is being done lightly; with grace and poise."
The third one, ‘Nimbus: Germain's Garland’, on the marina steps nearest Nero Court, will be returning to the sculptor’s studio in Yorkshire.
More information on Michael Lyons can be seen on:
‘A Moment’s Reflection’ a bronze sculpture created by Allan Sly and located in front of Otho Court, Brentford Dock.
Allan Sly was born in Windsor in 1951 attended post graduate studies at the Royal Academy of Art.
There is an interesting video clip of Allan Sly describing how he created the ‘Surrey Stag’ steel sculpture for Surrey University in 2009.
More information on Allan Sly can be seen on:
