The work
The marble eye (left) and brain
At first glance, the work may appear to be a random collection of pieces and the large brain and an eye have left some people scratching their heads.
But the pattern formed by the marble and granite sculptures that make up the Homage to Sir Thomas Browne has been carefully conceived.
It is known as a quinconce or quincunx, a five-pointed diamond shape that the renowned philosopher and thinker believed existed throughout nature.
The shape, which occurs in astrology, astronomy, maps and architecture, was the standard tactical formation for elements of a Roman legion. It also plays a key role in modern computer graphics and is a standard pattern for planting an orchard, especially in France.
As Sir Thomas was born about 30 years before the invention of the microscope and was a medical doctor and botanist, it may be that he was making an early observation of plant and human cell structure. This diamond-shaped grid underpins the arrangement of ‘stones’ on Hay Hill.
The centre-pieces are a marble brain and an eye sculpted in a very classical way which refer to Sir Thomas’s approach to philosophy, religion and science and also form a diagonal path through the quinconce between his home in Orford Yard and St Peter Mancroft where he is buried.
Around the brain and eye are seats, benches, tables and stools made form granite. All of the pieces are made to a very high standard and are beautifully sculpted.
The artists wanted to create a ‘room’ and intend people to use the pieces as furniture where they can sit and reflect and watch the world go by, while the bustling activity on Hay Hill continues around them.
Concerns have been voiced about the potential hazard caused by the pieces, but a risk assessment has been carried out and it will be obvious the pieces are part of a group of stones occupying the space. People can choose to move between or around them – there are plenty of options.
Also, the stones will be illuminated at night by subtle uplighters that are part of the artwork.
The stones were made in Pietrasanta, a small town in Tuscany, in a small bottega (artists’ yard) where classical bronzes and marbles have been made for centuries. The Italian craftsmen worked with artists Anne and Patrick Poirier to pick out high-quality stones, much of which comes from the hills around the town.
Marble from this area was also used in the construction of the famous Norwich Union Marble Hall in Surrey House, Surrey Street.
