THE MONOLITHS
contemporary public art
in Haggerston
Making the Monoliths
Designing the Project
Bobbie Fennick and Creative City began by holding workshops to help the residents decide what kind of art they wanted the Haggerston Monoliths to be. From many ideas and designs, they chose a selection of distinctive images that captured the spirit of what it was like to live in Haggerston: The ship weathervane from the old Haggerston Baths; a front door from the old, demolished Haggerston Estate; the lock gates at Acton’s Lock, a few minute’s walk along the canal; and – quirkiest of all – a gap in the canalside railing that has always been there, a quick way to hop onto the towpath (right).
How the monoliths were made
After careful research, Bobbie Fennick selected high-quality slate stones from North Wales. The selection process is vital as slate must be tested for a minimum of 2 years to reveal cracks. The selected monoliths were quarried in the 18th century and supported the construction inside the mountain.
The stones were delivered to London so Fennick could start the drawing and transfer process. The team had to move the selected stones (weighing 1 1/2 tons) into the studio by the traditional method of rolling them with wood and metal rods.
Fennick carved the designs into the monoliths using various tools and techniques, most of which have been in use for well over a thousand years. The carving process is exact, requiring an incredible level of concentration and allowing for no mistakes. It is skilled craft as its very best.
