Rachael Champion's commission Temporary Retention Site for Atmospheric Particles, 2020 has been installed permanently at Cubitt Town Primary School, London E14 3NE.
Originally commissioned for temporary installation at Nightingale Corner, Berkeley Square, commissioned by Grosvenor and curated by Modus Operandi, the sculpture was relocated to Canary Wharf at the invitation of Sir George Iacobescu, Chairman of Canary Wharf, for a period of two years. In 2023 the sculpture was donated to the school, who will be using the sculpture to support their geography, environmental curriculum teaching and its school value of Care.
A letter of thanks from the Head Teacher to Canary Wharf links below.
Temporary Retention Site for Atmospheric Particles was inspired by the remarkable London Plane trees of Berkeley Square. Layered bark shaped panels with printed imagery surrounded a series of brightly coloured metal drums, each containing an array of bioremediating plant life known for its ability to reduce air pollution in urban environments. The metal drum containers referred to the petrochemical industry, a conceptual link to London’s poor air quality. In this sculpture they were repurposed as vessels to support biodiversity and a cleaner environment.
“The sculpture addresses the issue of air pollution within our cities. Located adjacent to Berkeley Square where some of the oldest and most majestic examples of the London Plane tree can be found, this artwork looks to other species for inspiration and collaboration to improve the quality of the air we breathe.” Rachel Champion
Watch the artist discuss the art commission here:
Temporary Retention Site for Atmospheric Particles - Rachael Champion