Carved Panels
120 Harley Street, London
- Client: Art Projects Ltd on behalf of a Private Clinic
- Mason: Simon Keely
- Stone Installation: Paye Stone
- Material: Jordans Basebed
Simon Keely was asked by Art Projects Ltd to produce a series of designs of healing plants. These were to be carved in low relief and to be set into an historic façade of a Clinic development at No 120 Harley Street in London.
After months of research into various healing plants and frequent visits to the Chelsea ‘Physic Garden’, Simon composed a design which has an appropriate classical style for the age of the building.
The doctors in the clinic chose 7 of the plant designs and Simon selected many more, rearranged the remaining array of healing plants around a series of strategically placed ‘volutes’ (a spiral scroll-like ornament which forms the basis of the capital of the Ionic column).
Simon then began the clay work, modelling the whole arrangement, life- size; a topographical ‘map’ a reference from which he created the carving.
Once the clay was completed and approved,
Simon started to produce a hard reference
guide, which is the traditional method used in
stone carving.
Simon said, “The carving was very challenging
and extremely rewarding. Meticulous
modelling has helped develop and
understanding of the forms before and during
carving in the glorious Portland Basebed
Limestone.”
The carving panels were installed by Paye
Stone on August 7th 2009, they were an
excellent workforce.