A hundred metres of bronze stone and brass. That’s the Barnwell Sentence. Right here on the Cambridge riverside.
This isn’t just any sculpture. It’s a journey. A 100-metre-long installation winding through a residential site. Created by artist Lucy Skaer it’s a testament to the interplay between the domestic and public spheres. Commissioned by Berkeley Homes it ends with a stunning 30-metre wall. This magnificent wall is crafted from Atlantic lava Belgian fossil and Blue Savoy marble.
Imagine the playful characters. Skaer used the sides of a wooden chair to create them. They’re interspersed with charming pictograms. Domesticated carp strawberries and even a life-size blue whale skeleton appear. It’s a whimsical parade along this riverside path. A unique blend of the familiar and the fantastical.
Notice the materials. The bronze glows faintly even in the shade. The stone holds the weight of history. The brass reflects the ever-changing light of the Cambridge sky. Feel the texture. Run your fingers along the cool surface of the stone.
This sculpture is more than just art. It’s a meditation on our daily journeys. A reminder of the connection between our private lives and the wider world. As you walk along the Barnwell Sentence consider the characters the materials the story they tell. This isn’t just art it’s a conversation. A conversation with the artist with the city and with yourself.