Rosewater Place, Langley, Maidstone, Kent
Rosewater
Year
2023-2024
Client
McGoff Construction for Barchester Healthcare
Services
Commission Management
Location
Langley, Maidstone
Kent
A site-specific permanent commission
We have been appointed by McGoff Construction and Barchester Healthcare to commission an artist for a new permanent artwork for the benefit of future residents requiring residential and nursing care, as well as respite for shorter stays in this residential care home, Rosewater Place, in Langley.
The scheme, designed by The Design Collective Architects, comprises a 66 bed care home in the midst of a major new residential extension to Maidstone, located within the Kent countryside. This wider residential development is built on the site of a former garden nursery which specialised in growing roses. The name of this development area is ‘Rosewood’ to reflect this.
“The intent is for the artist to investigate the opportunity to bring in moments of joy, reflection and contemplation for residents, staff and visitors.”
The commission is for the artist to investigate the opportunity to bring in moments of joy, reflection and contemplation through an artwork or series of artworks that will be situated within the communal outdoor spaces.
Following a direct invitation artist Kerry Lemon has been appointed. Her practice is research-led and aims to connect audiences to the natural world in order to examine their own role within the anthropocene.
Kerry’s work is deeply interconnected with the local ecosystems which both inform and host the work. Each piece draws on extensive research into specific neighbourhoods, highlighting the flora and fauna of each area in intimate small scale works, or reintroducing into towns and cities traces of the plants and insects that might be thriving there were it not for the necessity of pavements and buildings.
For this project Kerry’s proposal is responding the multi-generational use of the building, for residents and visitors, including younger visitors, considering a proposal that is inclusive, accessible and will provide interest to all ages and abilities.
More information on the detailed proposal will be provided in due course.
“This will be an interactive piece, designed to celebrate the rich history of the site.”
About the Artist
Kerry Lemon creates site-specific artworks in response to local plant life, landscape and histories. Her practice is research-led and aims to connect the viewer to the natural world in order to examine their own role within the Anthropocene. She is driven by scientific collaboration and is a certified B Corporation committed to a sustainable practice. Her practice includes sculpture, painting, film, photography and performance, exploring the commonality of womxn and flora.
For more information on Kerry’s work see here.