Warminster landscape inspires new sculptures

Sculptures inspired by Warminster’s ecology, skies and landscape have been installed in the town by an acclaimed British artist. 

Simon Periton was inspired by Warminster’s skies and surrounding landmarks, including Cley Hill and Arn Hill Down, to create two pieces titled Teumessian Fox and Laelaps. 

“I watched the summer solstice sunset from the top of Cley Hill with the Strawberry full moon rising behind me,” said Simon. “Subsequently, I met with astronomer Steve Tonkin, Dark Skies Advisor to the International Dark Sky Reserve at Cranborne Chase. We explored the Jubilee Gardens site, taking coordinates using his alignment app and carrying out preliminary modelling to identify any significant celestial relationships.” 

Teumessian Fox is located at the entrance to Jubilee Gardens from Victoria Road and takes the form of a four-metre-tall granite-carved oak leaf. The work features two circular openings aligned so that people approaching from the east can view Cley Hill and potentially the setting of the star Procyon. 

Laelaps, located at the entrance to Jubilee Gardens from Bath Road, is a complementary sculpture that echoes the oak leaf motif in knapped flint and pebble, referencing the local chalk and flint landscape. It also incorporates openings that frame views across the landscape. 

“The alignment between the works encourages visitors to move through the landscape, echoing the celestial alignments that occur in the night sky,” said Simon. “The works are rooted in the ecology, geology and history of this place.” 

A public event will be held during summer to welcome the sculptures to the town. 

Picture credit: Simon Periton