Harlow MP unveils new sculptures

Bill Rammell, Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and MP for Harlow, has unveiled two striking sculptures designed by students of Harlow College at Barratt North London’s Fifth Avenue development in the town.

Students at the college competed to win a special commission and £500 prize money offered by Barratt. Judges Glyn Hopping, Managing Director and Chris Scarborough, Sales Director, at Barratt North London, selected two winners: Madeline Allen (17) and Michael Austin (21). Both students are currently in their final year studying for the National Diploma in Art and Design.

Working within a budget of £5000 provided by Barratt, the students were asked to create contemporary sculptures that would reflect Harlow’s 60-year history and its current regeneration. The art had to be both original and aesthetically pleasing; complimenting the overall design of Fifth Avenue, a development bringing 520 new homes, including affordable homes, to the town. The project, from drawing board to the finished sculptures was completed in six months.

Bill Rammell said: “I’m delighted to unveil this new artwork at Fifth Avenue. It not only represents the artistic talent we have in the town, but the sculptures will also provide a fitting centrepiece to this brand new housing development for Harlow, which is providing homes for sale and rent for Harlow residents.”

Madeline, who lives in Harlow, designed a stunning butterfly in steel which was made by Pace Engineering, a steel fabricator in Harlow. Madeline said: “When Harlow New Town was built, the new pubs were named after butterflies. Butterflies regenerate themselves from something that seems quite ugly into beautiful creatures.

“This project for Barratt has given me an insight into how to work professionally to high standards. I have a better idea of production and have learnt new skills, such as technical drawing. I plan to put some of my prize money towards driving lessons and save some for my gap year; after that I’m hoping to go to Rose Bruford College to study Scenic Art.”

Michael, who lives in Abridge, designed an organic form in bronze which was cast at Morris Singer Art Founders in Braintree. Michael said: “The fluted shapes of my sculpture represent the growth of Harlow, evolving from farms and fields into homes, shops and industries. The surface textures communicate the bustling life of the Harlow community.

“Barratt’s commission has made me more confident and helped me to develop my skills in art and design. I plan to go to university to study Garden Design and will put some of my prize money towards this goal.”

Glyn Hopping said: “I am delighted Madeline and Michael got so much out of the project and am particularly pleased they will be able to apply some of the skills they learnt to their future courses. They have created two exceptional sculptures for Fifth Avenue which I am sure will be enjoyed by generations to come.”

Ivan Daggett, Senior Tutor in Art Design at Harlow College, who supported the students throughout the project, said: “When Madeline and Michael were awarded their commissions they knew they would be working in the real world for the first time, with a budget and deadlines that had to be met.

“They had to learn to overcome problems and to work with others outside the college and to bring all the elements of design and manufacture together to produce the desired result. The experience has been invaluable and on behalf of Harlow College I would like to extend our gratitude to Barratt North London for the opportunity given to Madeline and Michael.”

Twelve young artists from Broadfields Primary School and Spinney Infant School also attended the unveiling. Barratt invited them to produce paintings working to the same regeneration theme and these are currently on display in the sales and marketing suite at Fifth Avenue. Glyn Hopping said: “I would like to thank all the children for their wonderful work and hope they enjoyed the unveiling ceremony; perhaps they will be inspired to follow in Madeline and Michael’s footsteps.”

Among the guests at the unveiling ceremony were members of the Harlow Gateway Partnership which consists of Harlow District Council; Harlow Sports Trust; English Partnerships, the national regeneration agency; and the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). In addition, Harlow Town Football Club, Harlow College, Mark Hall School, and Science Alive are all supporting the Gateway initiative.

A spokesperson for the Partnership said: “The Gateway Project is about new opportunities for everyone in Harlow - from sports and leisure to learning and new homes; the Gateway has lots of important elements which are all contributing to a stronger, more successful Harlow. Today's event at Fifth Avenue has been about bringing it all together and raising people's awareness of these opportunities."

Fifth Avenue offers a wide choice of new homes, from one bedroom apartments to five bedroom houses. Already, more than 227 homes are occupied and now it’s even easier to buy at the development.

The housebuilder is offering nine houses and 17 apartments under the new HomeBuy Direct scheme, which gives homebuyers the chance to move in for only 70 per cent of the purchase price. Buyers will receive up to a 30 per cent equity loan funded jointly by Barratt North London and the Government. The offer is open to first time buyers and key workers where the household income is less than £60,000 per year.

Prices at Fifth Avenue are from £130,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £160,000 for a two-bed apartment. To register interest in HomeBuy Direct go to barratthomes.co.uk/homebuydirect.