The Keynsham Arts Advisory Group has announced that the winning artist for the prestigious Keynsham Clock Tower commission is Sebastien Boyesen.
Following the recent exhibition and voting for shortlisted artists, Boyesen won over Keynsham residents and businesses with his creative and colourful design, using a patchwork of glass and acrylic panels to capture the history of the town both past and present.
Boyesen said: “What I look forward to most is working with the community. The end result should be a new and treasured landmark in the town that many generations will grow up with.
“As an artist and designer I am delighted to be involved in creating the clocktower, and hope that I can repay the enormous trust that is being placed in my hands. I would like to thank all the residents of Keynsham for believing in me.”
It isn’t the first time Sussex-born artist has worked on a commission in the region. He also created the impressive colliery wheel installation in the Miners’ Memorial Garden in Radstock.
As part of the commission Boyesen will work with the community to finalise details of the design. Over the summer, there will be community sessions, where members of the public can meet the artist and bring in photos, images and stories about Keynsham.
Councillor Ben Stevens (Lib Dem, Widcombe), Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, said: “The new clock tower should be installed in the civic centre area by April 2015.
“It’s a beautiful design that will allow residents to define their own history and their own community. Bath & North East Somerset Council is really looking forward to working with the people of Keynsham in the coming months.”
Keynsham Town Councillor Lisa O’Brien, Chair of the Keynsham Arts Advisory Group, said: “We welcome the involvement of so many residents in this process. During the exhibition people gave valuable and enthusiastic feedback. We look forward to working with Sebastien Boyesen to create a lasting legacy for our town.”
