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  PAYE Stone install the work into place in August 2009 |
Harley Street Commission ' Healing Plants' Low Relief - Hand Carved Panels  Simon doing the clay work models I was commissioned by Art Projects Ltd to produce a series of designs incorporating healing plants. These were to be carved in low relief and to be set into an historic façade of a Clinic development at No 120, Harley Street in London. After months of research into various healing plants and frequent visits to the Chelsea ‘Physic Garden’, I composed a design which has an appropriate classical style for the age of the building. The doctors in the clinic chose 7 of the plant designs and I selected many more and rearranged the remaining array of healing plants around a series of strategically placed ‘volutes’ (a spiral scroll-like ornament which forms the basis of the capital of the Ionic column). Upon completion of my designs, I received an extremely positive response. The next stage was getting through Westminster Councils’ planning department, which took a considerable amount of time! Once the clay work was completed and approved, I started to produce a hard reference guide, which is the traditional method used in stone carving. I chose a contemporary material, architectural jesmonite. ( Jesmonite is a composite material used in fine arts, and construction. Jesmonite consists of a gypsum-based material in an acrylic resin). The carving has been very challenging and extremely rewarding. Meticulous modelling has helped me develop an understanding of the forms before and during carving it in glorious Portland Basebed Limestone. The carving panels were installed by PAYE Stone on August 7th 2009, they were an excellent workforce. The Portland Limestone is a high quality carving material - Jordans' Basebed supplied by Albion Stone.
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