Hodgkin Park, sculptures

Hodgkin Park, sculptures

HER Number
11034
District
Newcastle
Site Name
Hodgkin Park, sculptures
Place
Benwell
Map Sheet
NZ26SW
Class
Gardens Parks and Urban Spaces
Site Type: Broad
Sculpture
Site Type: Specific
Sculpture
General Period
20TH CENTURY
Specific Period
Late 20th Century 1967 to 2000
Form of Evidence
Structure
Description
There are four sculptures in the park, erected in 1996. The first is 'Metroland' by Simon English, which stands in the southern end of the park. This resembles an archaeological excavation, with stone blocks from demolished buildings laid out into a maze. In the centre are broken pediment fragments. 'Metroland' was funded by the West End Single Regeneration Budget Project. Nearby is the 'Metrolands Arbour' and 'Nine Lives' by William Pym. This is a decorative entraneway into the park, made from forged iton painted in green, blue and red. On the gate is the lettering: "FAR BEYOND THE HERE AND NOW; URBAN ARBOUR; GREEN ARENA". There are portraits of the artist's assistants cut out of panels of the park railings. The design is based on the entrances to the Paris Metro. William Pym also made the Paradise, Oasis and Lovers Gates in the north section of the park. Each gate is wrought iron with lettering cut out on the gate or screen and floral designs and scenery. The final sculpture is 'Sapling' by William Pym. This is a tree made from wrought iron, 2.8m high. It was commissioned by Jacksons (a law firm). It is dedicated to Dr. Thomas Hodgkin who bequeathed the park to the City in 1899.
Easting
421280
Northing
563780
Grid Reference
NZ421280563780
Sources
Paul Usherwood, Jeremy Beach and Catherine Morris, 2000, Public Sculpture of North-East England, pp 88-89