Arts / libraries
Celebrating the joy of books through a new library sculpture
A new sculpture in east Bristol will celebrate the power of books and the solace they have brought for many in 2020.
Working with Upfest and local sculptor Tom Habben, Bristol Libraries are asking people to share passages from their favourite lockdown reads to help create the new art piece, which will be installed at Fishponds Library.
Tom already has worked featured across the city, including at Zero Green and Toyville on North Street.
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The Bedminster artist’s latest piece will take the form of an owl of 12 feet tall, inscribed with passages submitted by members of the public.
“The vision of using sculpture to promote reading spaces such as Fishponds library is very motivating,” says the artist, who often works collaboratively with communities and local businesses.
“I’m looking forward to this opportunity for us to use this piece to start a conversation around why our reading spaces are just so important.”
The art installation hopes to promote reading to people of all ages, and highlight the importance of libraries.
Tom and Bristol Libraries are working with south Bristol’s Upfest to install the artwork.
Tom Habben will work with Upfest, the public and Bristol Libraries to create the new artwork
“Whilst the concept of the project came about in 2019, we were noticing how, during lockdown, many people were commenting on how they have a new found love for reading books and we wanted to celebrate that and encourage people to keep the habit up,” explains Upfest founder Stephen Hayes.
“This has been a really fun project to work on and one with a message that we believe is so important and we’re excited to have Bristolians contribute to the final piece.”
The installation will be a permanent addition to the Fishponds library, located on Hockey’s Lane near ALDI and Morrison’s.
The owl will be installed by October 2020, and people from across the city can submit their favourite passages either physically at Fishponds, Henbury, Stockwood and central libraries or the Upfest Gallery at 198 North Street.
Submissions can also be sent via gallery@upfest.co.uk or by posting a photo, including the cover of their favourite book, with the passage in the caption on Twitter or Instagram, using the hashtag #BristolReads and tagging @upfest and the author.
An imagining of the new sculpture on Fishponds Library
“We’re hoping this exercise will spark a conversation about the importance of reading and the impact that books have had on people’s lives and we can’t wait to see the responses we receive,” says deputy mayor Asher Craig.
“Bristol’s libraries are community spaces that promote reading and learning as lifelong activities. This sculpture will be a reminder of that mission and start many conversations about books that have made a difference in people’s lives.”
All photos: Plaster Communications
Read more: Council launches masterplan to future-proof Bristol’s libraries
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