Vandalised 'eyesore' Surrey art work gets a new home
The cones in Farnham have split opinions
Last updated 1st Oct 2026
A controversial art installation that spit opinion, with critics calling it an “eyesore” that would be “improved no end” by vandals is back on display after being moved from its original site. I
In 2023, a new piece of public art was unveiled at Longbridge. Called ‘A Hand’s Turn’ by Natalie Bradwell and Livia Spinolo it was described as a sensory, tactile, and interactive sculpture that was inspired by photographs of barley stored at the Maltings.
It was designed to be touched with the cones spinning to symbolise how hands were used in craft for thousands of years.
The piece, which involved Farnham Town Council, the University for the Creative Arts, Farnham Maltings and the Farnham Public Art Trust, was conceived in 2020 and the project tasked to the winning artists in 2022.
The brief was for something ambitious and something that created opportunities for people to connect with it and each other. The piece, however, divided opinion and has been the subject of complaints since it was unveiled.
In 2024, Waverley Borough Council’s planning committee decided to keep the work in place until a new home could be found where it was truly wanted. That has now happened and the work will be in place in time for Farnham’s October craft month.
The event starts on October 3, its new home near the University for the Creative Arts with hopes high that it will make for a more suitable site.
Artist Natalie Bradwell said she had been wracked with guilt and disappointment after the cones were vandalised in their previous location.
She has been working on renovating the cones, smoothing dents made by vandals restoring their golden sheen.
She said: “The dents have been corrected using slide hammers and climbing inside the cones to hammer them out. They were also cleaned, polished, and lacquered – the patina now permanently gold (compared to the original brass coating).
“I hope locals find a new affection for the cones in their new home. They are intended to be played with, hugged and even the unintended percussive ability they provide is great fun.
“What a special place Farnham is for its commitment to craft and community. Farnham didn’t give up on the cones, so neither will I.”
Outi Remes, the director of New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham, added: “We welcome the opportunity for ‘A Hand’s Turn’ to be seen again in a setting where it can be properly experienced and understood, which feels very relevant to Farnham’s identity as a World Craft Town – the relocation will give the piece a fresh and positive context.”
The official rehoming of A Hand’s Turn was assembled in time for the launch event of Farnham’s October craft month.