Calling all artists: The Wilfred Owen Commission
a significant art work sited in Oswestry, Shropshire
The Commission
Wilfred Owen is regarded internationally as the true poet of WW1. His poetry recorded in moving and dramatic language the apocalyptic scale and dreadful circumstances of the slaughter of a generation of young men. Wilfred's death, just days before the Armistice, was an incalculable loss to the world of literature.
Project Concept
The primary aim of this project is to make a lasting commemoration of Wilfred Owen’s memorable life and poetry in his birthplace of Oswestry, Shropshire and, in the context of the centenary of WW1, to introduce Owen’s poetry to a new generation of people.
Oswestry Town Council, working with Qube and The Best of Oswestry, wishes to commemorate the location of the poet's birth. They are in liaison with the local authority at Ors in Northern France who have commemorated the place where Wilfred died by the construction of a stunning memorial incorporating the Forester's House in which Wilfred spent his last night. They commissioned English artist Simon Patterson to design and French architect Jean-Christophe Denise for construction. It is a powerful place.
These two significant artistic statements commemorating Owen's birth and death will be jointly acknowledged in the promotional materials at the two sites and provide a poignant bridge bringing the two closer together.
The Shropshire landscape and particularly the family home, Plas Wilmot in Oswestry where he was born, had a deep significance for the Owen family and was a great influence on Wilfred's formative years as recognised by English Heritage. Wilfred refers back to it affectionately in his wartime letters and the name Plas Wilmot was used nostalgically by later family members in naming their subsequent dwellings. The Owen family were well established and respected in Oswestry and it is fitting that Wilfred Owen‘s literary achievement should be nationally recognised and commemorated in the town.
Calling all artists! We are now accepting proposals for this project. For a full project brief please email c.jackson@qube-oca.org.uk. Deadline 13th February 2015.
Charlotte Jackson
Arts Co-ordinator,
Qube, Oswald Road
Oswestry, SY11 1RB
Tel: 01691 656882
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