Incredible underwater sculpture gifted to the city
A stunning new underwater sculpture in the River Stour by internationally renowned artist Jason deCaires Taylor has been unveiled and will be formally gifted to the city.
Alluvia is on display on the riverbed opposite the Guildhall, close to the bridge over the Stour by the Westgate Towers.
Jason, who grew up in Canterbury, first installed Alluvia in the river in 2008. It consisted of two female forms cast in cement and glass resin, inspired by Sir John Everett Millais’s celebrated painting Ophelia (1851-1852).
However, over the years the sculpture’s condition has deteriorated due to wear and tear caused by what is a fast-flowing river.
Earlier this year, the Canterbury Commemoration Society (CCS) commissioned restoration works on the sculptures, but the original works were beyond repair, so Jason kindly agreed to create a new piece of art following the same inspiration of Shakespeare’s Ophelia.
The new Alluvia is made from recycled glass, LEDs and marine stainless steel, and incorporates environmental monitoring sensors. It is lit from within at night, making it accessible to view 24 hours a day.
Jason describes Alluvia as referring to the “alluvial deposits of sand left behind by the rise and fall of the river’s water levels…the figure’s posture responds to the river’s flow, reflecting both its ceaseless movement and the invisible barrier of water – like being trapped behind a window”.
He says “as the river swells and recedes with the seasons, and as the light shifts, the sculpture transforms, first through the play of shadows and light, then gradually as reeds and algae form on and around it”.
He will formally gift it to the city at an event this Sunday (22 September) to be attended by representatives of the city council and CCS.
Cabinet member for culture, Cllr Charlotte Cornell, said: “We are very happy to accept this amazing piece of artwork from Jason deCaires Taylor and cannot thank him enough for so generously giving over his time to create a new Alluvia for the city.
“Combining contemporary art with heritage is at the forefront of our approach to public art and Alluvia is the perfect piece for this location.
“This sits alongside the accepting of the gift of the Amy Johnson Bronze in Herne Bay, kindly gifted by the Amy Johnson Project, and is part of our commitment to equal representation of women in the public realm.
“And the Aphra Behn statue, which is another collaboration with the Canterbury Commemoration Society, is expected to join them early in 2025.
“It’s a really exciting time for public art in the district and we are proud to be working with some great organisations and artists to deliver these.”
Published: 17 September 2024