Peacock sculpture struts for sustainability

The sculpture shows a peacock in display, and is made from metal and Perspex hoarding sheets that surrounded the building site. As the feathers on a peacock renew themselves annually this provided inspiration within the theme of sustainability. The metal structure reflects the light, colour and movement of the sculpture’s environment. The first band of feathers provides the grounding to the following two layers, alluding to the extensions to the old university buildings during the construction process. The two outer bands of feathers mirror the addition of the new buildings: the Forum itself and the extension of the library.  These two layers, adorned with glass beads, also represent the two year time scale in which the Forum was constructed. The curve of each feather acts to complement the architecture of the building.

Amy Foreman, student, says: “As well as being an animal of beauty, the process of replenishment in the peacock’s feathers mirrors the construction of The Forum project, converting old to new. This is fundamentally what the sculpture is; we have used the old hoardings to create something new and beautiful.”

Devon artist Ed Crumpton advised on construction.  He says: ““I really enjoyed the process of working with the students and showing them how they could use the leftover material from the Forum building for artistic means. They were open-minded and responsive throughout the process and toward the end of the project the students were competent to finish the sculpture themselves. I think they have done an absolutely brilliant job and look forward to seeing it on the sculptural trail."

Elisabeth Dunne, Head of Project Development in Education and Quality Enhancement says: “This has been an exciting initiative, not only because of the wonderful sculpture and its link to sustainability, but also because of all the people who contributed to making it happen: the students from the Art Society, Education Enhancement for the initial idea and support throughout, artist Ed Crumpton, the Arts and Culture team, the grounds staff, the Sustainability team, and Campus Services. 

The Peacock can be found emerging from woodlands at the back of the Forum, at the top of Poole Gate. The project is a sustainability Students as Change Agents project, supported by Santander.