BERWICK STREET
Public art commission for
Latitude Architects & PMB Holdings
2015 - completion due 2021
research
St Luke's Church, berwick street
On the original site stood two Huguenot churches, La Patente and St Luke’s, the latter providing the basis for the design of a rose window. The geometries have been laid across the elevations on Berwick Street and Hopkins Street in order to create a linking motif abstracted in the individual panels.
The research centred on the influx of migrants into Britain, London and Soho; in particular the Huguenots who fled religious persecution from mainland Europe: this embodies a history of migrants and refugees, and the rich creativity that stems from a constantly interacting and changing community.
Underpinning the movement around the building, levels and individual panels is the symbol of the rainbow and the mathematical language behind Jazz, itself stemming from Slavery and the African Diaspora that Britain industrialised in the 17th & 18th centuries.
The choice of visual material reflect both the interior and exterior; using the language of wallpaper and stained glass windows. The imagery has been sourced from Huguenot artists and artisans; Daniel Marot, James Leman, Paul de Lamerie and Jean Monnoyer.
daniel marot
Daniel Marot, 1661-1752, French-born Dutch architect, decorative designer, and engraver whose opulent and elaborate designs contributed to European styles of decoration in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
james leman
James Leman, 1688-1745, was born into a weaving family of Huguenot descent. Leman trained as a designer as well as a manufacturer, which was unusual for weavers at that time.
Jean Monnoyer
Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer, 1636-1699, was a French artist who specialised in floral and fruit pieces, although he also worked on historical and landscape painting. He spent the last two years of his life in England.
Paul de Lamerie