CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO SEE THEM ENLARGE

This percent commission was confirmed in April 2008.
The starting date is yet to be established

This commission concept presents an image of a young girl playing and dancing with a skipping rope. The sculpture will be some nine feet in height, including the base.

The image of the child skipping is designed to draw children, especially those in infant classes, towards the work. Its essential spirit should convey an overall sense of energy and inclusiveness. The underlying message is that we can all share feelings of excitement and subsequently peace and tranquillity through the joyful expenditure of energy. A sense of movement is very important in drawing viewers towards the work. A parallel sense of stillness, tranquillity and peace is just as important in helping to inculcate the spiritual ease which each of us needs in order to enjoy life to the full. This is seldom a conscious feeling in children, but one that grows in importance as we approach - and learn to appreciate - our own maturity.

The work is designed to sit at the entrance to the school (the exact location can be determined in consultation with the architects). It will rest on a two-tiered round granite base, forming a children’s seat to be used and enjoyed by students and staff alike in clement weather at any time of year. It can also cheerfully accommodate visitors waiting to fulfil appointments.