New 'tidal' themed art installation gets the green light
The height of the poles will be 3.5 metres to deter vandalism
A 3.5 metre high art installation has been agreed for The Strand in Barnstaple after it was chosen by the public from 11 art proposals as part of a £3 million creative boost for the town.
The Tidal Triplets by Michael Pinsky has been inspired by the tidal rhythms and includes three clock-like faces on poles showing the high and low tides of the River Taw, as well as the neap and spring phases and ebb and flood.
It will have a functional purpose for water users as well as an aesthetic purpose as it takes up position on a grassy area close to Queen Anne’s Walk, a Grade I listed building that forms part of the town’s historic riverside frontage and parallel to the River Taw.
The hands of these clocks will echo those of Barnstaple’s historic Albert Clock.
North Devon Council’s planning committee gave the go ahead for the Tidal Triplets at its meeting on Friday recognising that it had to get on with the project to meet the funding deadline.
Public art has been introduced to the town by Flourishing Barnstaple, an initiative led by North Devon Council and supported by Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund which awarded the town £3 million in 2023.
The money is also being used to refurbish the historic Bridge Chambers into a cultural hub and develop workspace studios at Boutport Street.
It’s part of a mission to revitalise Barnstaple by supporting, developing and promoting cultural activity in the town.
Flourishing Barnstaple made an open call for expressions of interest from artists last year and there were 60 responses with 11 artists selected to develop their ideas for public art through a tender process after which the public were asked to vote on their favourite.
The Tidal Triplets was considered by planning officers to be “a meaningful and visually appropriate” installation at The Strand near to both grade I and II listed buildings.
However, the location has been moved by 20 metres to be closer to Tea on the Taw following heritage concerns.
The height of the poles will be 3.5 metres to deter vandalism.