Source: http://art4all.org.uk/latest-news.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 20:02:12+00:00

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Over the past two months, people in Ferndown have been working to create a unique celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee - an interactive Sound Sculpture in the form of the Coronation Throne and a Children’s Art Installation reflecting popular children’s television characters over the past 60 years. Both were unveiled at Millennium Park during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations at the beginning of June.
Conceptual artist and Art4All Chairman, Gerry Clarke had a vision to record the memories and personal reminiscences of local residents who have lived through the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Media students from the Ferndown Upper School interviewed members of the local community and recorded their personal recollections of key moments of her reign. The recordings covered a number of memorable events such as the Queen’s Coronation in 1953, the Silver and Golden Jubilee and visits to Buckingham Palace.
The design of the throne is based on Kind Edward’s Coronation chair at Westminster Abbey. Carved out of solid English oak, it contains a solar powered sound system which interacts with users and plays the sound track automatically when you sit on the throne. It is a highly original piece of sculpture and is already proving a popular location for family photographs. “I was amazed how many people came along after the unveiling to have a photograph taken to commemorate this special Diamond Jubilee occasion” said artist Gerry Clarke.
The Children’s Art Installation is made up from specially treated soft toys and was inspired by the most popular children’s television characters from the past 60 years. Amongst the long list of nostalgic favourites are Andy Pandy, Noddy and Big Ears from the fifties, the Wombles, Paddington Bear and the Thunderbirds from the sixties, Postman Pat, Bob the builder and Mr Men characters from the seventies and eighties, as well as more modern children’s favourites such as the TellyTubbies, Wallace and Gromit and Peppa Pig.
The display is located in the Children’s Play area in Ferndown’s King George V Playing Fields and makes a fun, interesting place to visit if you have young children and are looking for something unusual and entertaining to do during the summer holidays.
Art4All Chairman, Gerry Clarke was invited to attend an award ceremony at the District Council offices and was delighted to receive a cheque for £1,500 towards the cost of creating two Diamond Jubilee Sculptures at Millennium Park in Ferndown.
Work will begin shortly on the design and installation of a decorative Coronation Throne and Children's Play Area Shelter containing a series of sound recordings of local people recalling their experiences of life during the Queen's 60 year reign.
A number of local sponsors are being sought to help fund this latest creative Art4All project.
Although Her Majesty the Queen was unable to record some personal memories and reminiscences of her 60 year reign for our innovative sound sculpture project, she kindly sent a letter from Buckingham Palace conveying her best wishes for its success.
Plans are now being drawn up to prepare a series of recordings which will be embedded in the sound sculptures which will be unveiled in June. Children from local Ferndown Schools are being invited to contribute items for the sculpture.
The latest Heritage Art Murals have been installed in the town centre. These are part of the ongoing Art4All initiatives supported by Ferndown Town Council which involve the community in art projects that enhance the appearance of Penny's walk precinct.
Art4All in Ferndown's Diamond Jubilee Sculpture project aims to record and encapsulate the memories and personal reminiscences of local Ferndown people who have lived through the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
By using the latest recording technology, the project aims to capture interesting, entertaining and amusing personal recollections of key moments during the Queen's reign, including the Coronation in 1953, the Silver Jubilee in 2007, visits to Buckingham Palace and celebrating the Queen's birthday over the past 60 years.
The material will be used to create a series of innovative new sound sculptures to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in June. Students from the Ferndown Upper School will be researching and identifying a group of local residents from diverse backgrounds and differing ages and arranging to take photos and record a selection of brief personal interviews.
The material will be edited to create a digital recording and embedded into a series of sound sculptures. The preliminary design concepts include a park bench resembling a Royal Throne, a bus stop shelter and a new installation reflecting fashion through the Queen's 60 year reign. Solar panels will provide the power for the sound system and a new sculptural resin material that resembles bronze will be used to create the designs.
October 2011 - Art4All create a Fright Night in Ferndown!
Art4All launched their first performing art event to celebrate Halloween.
A candle lit trail led visitors into an Enchanted Forest and past a scene from the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party featuring drama students from the Ferndown Upper School who put on their scariest costumes to give the audience a real fright.
Meanwhile in the Town Council offices, the Witch’s Wardrobe proved a big hit for small children, with Town Librarian, Carol Freeman, reading scary stories surrounded by pumpkins, spooky spiders and creepy bats, dressed as an authentic local black witch.
The Ferndown and West Parley Rotary Clubs supported the event and served up a Dorset Smuggler’s BBQ which gave people time to relax, eat and enjoy a feast of bat wings and other tasty delights.
The event was underwritten by the Ferndown Town Council and supported by the Chamber of Commerce.
The fancy dress competition drew a large number of entrants and was won by the Saunders family who won a day out at Longleat Safari Park, courtesy Tesco Stores.
September 2011 - Diamond Jubilee Project shortlisted for funding!
NatWest Bank shortlisted Art4All in Ferndown to receive funds to create an innovative Sound Sculpture to mark the Queen's Jubilee in June 2012.
The Sculpture, which will resemble the Royal throne, will be activated by sensor and feature recordings of older residents reminiscing over the 60 years of Her Majesty's reign, recorded by students from the Ferndown Upper School.
By using the latest recording technology, the project aims to capture interesting, entertaining and amusing recollections of key moments during the Queen's reign, including for example, the Coronation and the Silver Jubilee.

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