New Leaf

Commissioned by DEFRA (Department of the Environment, Fisheries and Rural Affairs) in association with International Art Consultants (Margaret ORegan) and Architects Atkins Global (Garry Batt). Eleven leaves each hanging from a single point move round gracefully in this newly refurbished atrium space reminding us of the ever revolving cycle of the natural world. The space clad with light gloss tiles interspersed with an Art Deco pattern of slate coloured tiles was an external courtyard of the existing listed building. The fourth side is now for the most part a huge area of wall covered in a slate grey material that reduces the echo in this enormous space and acts as a visual backdrop for the leaves as they tumble into the space. On three of the leaves there is a trompe loeil painting of a dewdrop that reflects an image of the building and relates to the work of the occupants of this building.