A monumental mason’s compass frozen mid-stroke. That’s the Setting Out 2017 sculpture. It stands as a gateway a bronze testament to craftsmanship.
The Setting Out 2017 sculpture is more than just art. It’s a tribute. A tribute to Rattee and Kett. This famed Cambridge restoration company once occupied this very site. The sculpture’s name itself is a nod to their work. Their masons used compasses to meticulously plan the intricate stonework. Stonework that adorns Cambridge’s majestic colleges.
The bronze compass isn’t alone. It rests on a base of Yorkstone. Etched into the stone is a spiral. A volute. This shape is essential in stone carving. Specifically for hand-carved capitals. The kind found on the Ionic columns at Emmanuel College. And the Corinthian capitals gracing the Fitzwilliam Museum. These are testaments to the skills of artisans like those who worked for Rattee and Kett.
But the Setting Out 2017 sculpture’s story goes deeper. It subtly connects to Isaac Newton. A Cambridge luminary often depicted with a compass. Artists like William Blake and Eduardo Paolozzi immortalized Newton’s use of the compass. Paolozzi’s statue of Newton stands outside the British Library. The compass itself is a timeless symbol. A tool used for millennia to measure the heavens and the earth.
The spiral of the Setting Out 2017 sculpture extends beyond the bronze. It flows into the surrounding park. Blending art seamlessly with nature. It’s a subtle yet powerful integration. The sculpture is visible from the main railway line to London. It’s a welcome sight for travelers. A symbolic beginning or end to many journeys.
The Setting Out 2017 sculpture is a compelling blend of history and art. A quiet yet powerful reminder of Cambridge’s rich past. A connection to the precision of its artisans and a nod to its most brilliant minds. It is a thoughtful and significant addition to Cambridge’s landscape. A sculpture that rewards closer inspection.