The ambitious new series A Time, A Place to brighten up busy walkway and cycle path
An ambitious new series of sculptural “stations” celebrating Cheltenham’s rich history, communities and natural environment will brighten up one of the town’s busiest walkways.
A Time, A Place will transform the Honeybourne Line into a journey through time, with six major sculptures and three entrance markers inspired by key moments in Cheltenham’s story.
The commission was awarded to Neith Art and Sculpture, will span back to the town’s Anglo-Saxon settlement and the wool trade to the spa era, wartime innovation, racing culture and future as a centre of technology and green living.
Drawing inspiration from the Honeybourne Line’s railway heritage, each sculpture will act as a “platform” in history combining storytelling, seating and wildlife habitats.
At the heart of the project is extensive local involvement. Residents, schools and community groups will help shape the artwork through workshops, creative writing sessions, guided walks and supervised carving activities.
Community voices and poetry recordings will also feature in audio installations along the route, ensuring the final works reflect both Cheltenham’s celebrated heritage and the stories of people often absent from traditional histories.
Cllr Izaac Tailford, cabinet member for economic development, wellbeing, culture and public realm, said: “Following stiff competition and more than 40 competing bids, we are delighted to announce that Neith Art & Sculpture have been successfully appointed to lead this important public art series on the Honeybourne Line.
“This is an ambitious project that will celebrate Cheltenham’s unique heritage while creating a vibrant and welcoming experience for everyone who uses the Honeybourne Line.
“A Time, A Place is particularly special because local people will help shape the artworks themselves – from sharing stories and writing poetry to contributing carvings inspired by the wildlife and history of the route. The project will not only brighten one of our busiest walking and cycling corridors, but also create a lasting sense of pride, ownership and connection for communities across Cheltenham.”
Designed to encourage pause, reflection and connection, A Time, A Place will bring new life, creativity and biodiversity to one of Cheltenham’s most-used public spaces.
Rob Neith Nicholson, art producer and collaborative artist at Cornwall-based Neith Art & Sculpture, said: “The ability to tell stories, strengthen people’s connection to those stories and to the area, and to engage the local community with the project, really fits well with how we work.
“Designed to encourage pause, reflection and connection, A Time, A Place will bring new life, creativity and biodiversity to one of Cheltenham’s most-used public spaces for generations to come. We are really excited to get going with the project, and the engagement which will run throughout the summer.“
Lisa Edgar, head of culture and communities at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, added: “I was thrilled to be invited to be part of the selection panel for this project. We assessed a diverse range of projects which was both challenging and rewarding, reflecting the high standard of creativity and ambition demonstrated across the proposals.
“The calibre of submissions demonstrated the significance of the opportunity and the strong enthusiasm for delivering meaningful, site-specific public art along the Honeybourne Line.”
