DUNCAN McKELLAR
SHINE
A
LIGHT
DUNCAN MCKELLAR
PROPOSAL FOR:
University of the West of England.
STEWY
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TWO BRISTOL ARTISTS
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UWE
ONE BRISTOL ICON
SARAH GUPPY
INVENTOR - ENGINEER
Sarah Guppy - 1770 - 1852.
Overlooked heroine of Bristol's past.
Teacher of Brunel Jnr.
Suspension bridge patent holder.
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BRISTOL ICON
Sarah Guppy's contribution to Bristol's heritage is largely overlooked.
A female engineer in Victorian Britain, her influence may be greater than you think.
She held a patents on a chain suspension bridge, barnacle resistant copper nails and a home gym which also boiled your eggs!
Intriguingly, she was friends with Brunel senior and taught young Isambard.
Her son worked with Brunel on the SS Great Britain, the Great Western Railway and the Clifton Suspension bridge.
(Although impossible to verify, it seems likely that she influenced the final design.)
DUNCAN MCKELLAR
Bristol based sculptor Duncan Mckellar is internationally known for his large scale installaltions involving mirrors and sunlight.
Monumental pieces include a kilometer long line of people with mirrors spanning the U.S/Mexico border.
Each participant wore a mirrored mask which reflected the sun to create a 1000m line of light symbolising unity and togetheress.
Ray of Hope - 1000m line of people with mirrors
U.S/Mexico border. 2018.
Esperansa - Circular mirror installation
U.S/Mexico border. 2019.
STEWY
Legendary Street Artist Stewy is internationally known for his stencil work in Bristol and around the globe.
His iconic artworks often reference historic figures who have been overlooked whilst simultaniously bringing them back into prominence.
His famous image of Sarah Guppy is based on a pencil drawing by Isambard Kingdon Brunel.
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STEWY mural - UpFest, Bristol
STEWY mural - Emirates Statium, London
STEWY mural - The Oval, London
John Street
The two Bristol Artists are proposing a collaboration which will commemorate
Sarah Guppy in a permanent Artwork.
Stewy will paint a 15m portrait of Sarah on the East facing wall of Everard square. Mckellar will install 15 stainless steel mirrors on the South facing wall.
Each mirror will have a section of Guppy's portrait painted on it's surface. They will be ingeniously arranged and angled to reflect sunlight and create a projection of her full portrait onto the street below.
This double portrait in paint and light will illuminate an unsung heroine whilst promoting renewable energy.
The installation will become a local landmark whilst attracting footfall to John street, enriching the local environment and promoting the University of the West of England.
Sarah Guppy is a fantastic figure to help promote women in STEM subjects. This artwork will provide a catalyst for discussions and a figurehead for the promotion and publicity of the UWE's STEM courses.
The artwork is located near to Nelson and Drake House and St.Lawrence House student accommodation and also the Bank Tavern which is a popular venue for UWE students.
The University's logo and details will be attached to a description of Guppy next to the Artwork and will feature in all press coverage.
Image of proposed John. st. installation.
Budget
Mirror Installation:
Mirrors- £3900
Mountings - £1930
Labour - £1400 (4 days @ £350 p/d.)
Machine hire - £700 (3 days.)
Artists fees - £5000. (Production/installation/transportation of Artwork.)
Mural:
Paint - £200
Machine hire - £500 (2 days.)
Artist fees - £5000 (Painting of mural/production of stencil.)
Descriptoin of Guppy:
Materials/production/installation - £1500.
Total: £20,130.
Partner contributions:
Gardner Energy Management - £10,000
The Clayton Hotel - £3500
The Bank Tavern - £1000
Bristol Bid - £1500
Total: £16,000
Requested amount - £4,000.