Unity Wreath Launched

We had a fantastic time launching the Unity Wreath with members of the Northstowe community, Stardust Dance Academy and local origami artist Imelda Pinter - although we missed artist Chloe Leaper as she was ill that day!

We were really pleased to once again collaborate with Homes England, commissioning local artist Chloe Leaper to work with the Northstowe community to design and create sculptural signs for two of the new Northstowe lakes: Unity Lake and Halcyon Mere.

The lakes were named by local residents, giving each of them an identity and making it easier for meeting friends or for events and activities. Unity Lake was chosen by Matthew Wood and his daughter for a community committed to working together and finding common ground. Judges felt this name would signify Northstowe's community and surrounding communities coming together to enjoy the space.

Chloe says, "After initial meetings with Sustainable Northstowe, Homes England, Walking for All, Matt Wood, and a huge amount of community feedback, I was inspired to make a piece that could facilitate new traditions - to help root the community and create a greater sense of place. I've tried to make a sculpture that works to serve the community in as many ways as I can think of: name carrier, meeting place, wreath for seasonal dressing, 'grammable' portrait frame, view finder and even a bird perch!

"The pentagon is a symbol of regeneration, and each of the pentagons layered here spiral around each other using nature's geometric patterns and ratios, creating a link with the man-made habitat behind."

We love the contemporary feel to Chloe's choice of materials, and how the name is embedded in the sculpture's plinth. This is no ordinary wayfinding sign!

With thanks to Homes England for commissioning this project!