Flourishing Barnstaple is excited to announce the successful artists chosen to create new public artworks for Barnstaple town centre. They are:
Edward Crumpton and Jessica Pearson with ‘Quay Sounds’. An interactive sculpture to be installed at Rolle Quay that will celebrate Barnstaple’s heritage and creative spirit. Inspired by maritime foghorns, its copper horns will invite passers-by to connect with the quay’s past, present, and future. Featuring a taller horn for adults and a shorter, accessible one for children and wheelchair users, the sculpture will also incorporate soundscapes created by writers, musicians, and community members. These soundscapes, played through speakers in the horns, will reflect the voices and histories of Rolle Quay, Barnstaple, and its twin towns.
Michael Pinsky with ‘Tidal Triplets’. Inspired by Barnstaple’s maritime heritage and tidal rhythms, this artwork will be situated on the Strand, blending aesthetics with function to encourage visitors to engage with their surroundings. Reflecting the River Taw’s shifting tides, it will feature three elevated clock-like faces showing high and low tides, as well as neap and spring phases. The clock hands are designed to echo those of Barnstaple’s iconic Albert Clock, built in 1862 to honour Prince Albert. Unlike traditional clocks, the dials will display only their two extremes, offering a poetic representation of the river’s constant motion.
Athena Jane Churchill with ‘Welcome Sign Mosaic’. Positioned near the railway station, this mosaic will serve as a cultural and ecological gateway to Barnstaple, reinforcing the town’s heritage and creativity. Rich in historical and natural motifs, it will provide a memorable first impression, with wayfinding elements guiding visitors towards the town centre. The mosaic will feature symbols of Barnstaple’s trade, craftsmanship, and industry, including the River Taw, Long Bridge, and references to Brannam Pottery and Shapland & Petter furniture. It will also celebrate Barnstaple’s natural environment, highlighting its place within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
After an open call for expressions of interest that attracted 63 talented submissions, a panel, including local representatives and professionals from North Devon Council, reviewed the proposals. The public’s input, alongside expert evaluation, played a crucial role in selecting the winning designs, which reflect the town's rich heritage, natural beauty, and community spirit.
Flourishing Barnstaple's Community Engagement Coordinator, Michelle Nicholson-Sanz said: “We would like to thank everyone who took part in the public consultation, voting for their favourite designs and sharing their valuable feedback.
"Our gratitude also goes to the members of the Town Team for Culture Public Art Subgroup, whose ongoing support has been pivotal in bringing public art to Barnstaple from the outset of this initiative. We also wish to acknowledge the evaluators, whose expertise was instrumental in assessing the proposals we received. The strong support from multiple stakeholders highlights the community's collective passion for making Barnstaple a more vibrant, creative, and welcoming place”.
The selected artists will now work to finalise their pieces, which will be installed by March 2026, transforming key areas of Barnstaple into hubs of artistic expression. These installations are set to engage both locals and visitors, enriching the cultural fabric of the town and further enhancing Barnstaple's identity.
Flourishing Barnstaple is a North Devon Council initiative which has been made possible thanks to support from the Cultural Development Fund, administered by Arts Council England, on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The aim of the initiative is to revitalise Barnstaple by supporting, developing and promoting cultural activity within the town.
These public art commissions are just some of many exciting developments designed to foster community involvement and showcase Barnstaple’s unique character.
More information on events, activities and projects in Barnstaple can be found on www.barnstaple.co.uk