Works of art go up at new block of flats (From Worcester News)

Works of art go up at new block of flats

10:00am Tuesday 2nd December 2008 in Search By David Paine, @davidpaineWN #worcsnews

HISTORY has been retold on panels installed on the front of a new block of flats in Worcester city centre.

Herefordshire-based artist Caroline Hands was asked to produce a series of pieces of art to depict the story of the area around Cabot Homes’ Point Severn development.

Out of the 84 flats – a mixture of one and two-bedroom homes – on the site in Newport Street, just one remains unsold.

Both of the retail units have also been sold. A hairdresser has already moved in and an employment agency is set to take up its place at the beginning of next year.

Due to the site’s historical importance, Cabot Homes commissioned an archaelogical excavation of the site in 2005 and it was found that Newport Street had a rich history, with roots dating back to the 9th century.

Ms Hands, with the help of other designers and stained glass specialists, has created a series of conceptual panels made of glass and copper reflecting the history.

Huw Sherlock from Archenfield Archaeology, which carried out the excavation and asked Ms Hands to create the panels, said: “Newport Street was once one of the most important streets in Worcester and we are delighted that Cabot Homes commissioned the artistic panels as the history and archaeology of this area is now accessible to future generations.”

The panels have been installed on to the Newport Street frontage of the building.