Domestic Motif
‘Domestic Motif’ is a public artwork commissioned by Tideway for King George’s Park in South London. The permanent commission is a creative response to site-specific narratives based on local history.
West side - Image courtesy of BMB and AAJV (Akins Arup Joint Venture)
East side - Image courtesy of BMB and AAJV (Akins Arup Joint Venture)
It is due for completion in 2022 and celebrates the construction of the Tideway tunnel under London’s Thames river. The new work is situated near the Wandle river and takes the form of sand cast bronze fixed to concrete. The surface of the work resembles fabric and water and mimics the movement of the Thames and Wandle river. It is partially inspired by historic public policies for social housing, welfare, health and well-being that formed part of a 20th century modernist vision of urbanism.
Historically, the main industries along this section of the river Wandle were tobacco and textiles. In the 16th century it was a hub for activities connected to textile dye works and production facilities linked to linen, leather, iron and copper industries. This inspired the use of metal and a colour palette based on natural dyed linen. The research for the commission draws inspiration from domestic spaces and furnishing fabric. It re-purposes some of the tactile aspects associated with interior environments by placing them outside in the park setting. It is informed by patterns found in textile structures, furnishing fabric and wallpaper from the 1920 - 30’s in reference to the time period that the park was originally opened.
Tideway’s ambitious programme of public artwork is the subject of a new documentary film set to premiere as part of the Totally Thames Festival 2021.
The film, Art on the Tideway, offers the first detailed look at a handful of the commissions, speaking with five artists and exploring a range of production techniques, from photography to bronze-work.
More than 50 works by almost 40 artists form Tideway’s programme of public art – some temporary murals on the construction site hoardings, others permanent works that will far outlive the construction life of the project.
And for this first time, Art on the Tideway offers an insight into some of the works and the artists behind them.