Missing Sculpture Found - 'Duo' by Ronald Pope

So I had great images of the sculpture when it stood on the Mickleover campus of the University of Derby, but where was it now? A lecturer at the Keddleston Road campus informed me that he had completed an exhibition in the past about the artist, not only that but they still have the sculpture at the University.

I set off to find the sculpture, which took me to the latest campus for the University on Markeaton Street which is the Art, Design and Technology facility. The new building features an internal ‘Street’ a long wide corridor that runs the entire length of the building and is bathed in natural light from the vast expanses of windows. On the second floor the balcony continues this open feel and overlooks the 'Street’, at the end of the second floor balcony where the end of the building is one large span of glass sits the sculpture.

The sculpture stands at just under 6 foot and is in excellent condition, on the images of the sculpture when it stood at the Mickleover campus it appears that a student had lightly carved a smiley face onto the surface of one of the forms, this has since been removed I’m pleased to say. The positioning of the sculpture in front of this large window retains the feel of the sculpture being outdoors as the view outside shows lots of mature trees.

I can’t tell you how excited I felt to be face to face with the sculpture, it really stirred something in me, I’m so happy to be able place a sculpture of my own where once sat a sculpture, and second I would like to incorporate an element from the old sculpture into the new sculpture as a small homage to the sculptor.

Trail of the Missing Sculpture - Found it!

After the first hour in the archives at The University of Derby locating the Mickleover campus, the second hour was just as productive with lots of images coming out of the boxes featuring life at the new campus. There were great images of the students working in classes, enjoying the gym and the pool, the next picture showing a group of students chatting on the lawn had something in the background, could it be the sculpture?

Yes! I had found it, the sculpture was hard to see as the image was small but it was there. The next image out the archive boxes was like hitting the jackpot, a full size image of the sculpture, the sculpture appeared to be made from stone and featured two inter-twinned figures.

Trail of the Missing Sculpture

This week the search for the missing sculpture continued with a trip to the archives at the University of Derby to see if I could locate some more information about the old Mickleover campus and the sculpture that once sat within the grounds.

The first hour went well with lots of photos of the University over the years, but nothing of the sculpture. It was difficult to figure out which of the old photos featured which campus as the University of Derby spans many locations and campuses, so a little detective work was required by finding a titled image and then matching up items such as chimney styles, window and door shapes.

After a while the floor was littered with images in different groups until I had a photographic map of the different campuses throughout the ages and then it started to become clear which pile of images related to the old Mickleover campus.

Thinking behind new sculptures

When I undertake a new sculpture commission, I feel it helps to have a base on which to form ideas and working on the commission for Mickleover has been no exception.

Nature and Heritage always repeats its self within my work wether it be the material choice or looking at a traditional craft or method of working, or be it taking inspiration from what has past.

Nature - This has always played a huge part in inspiring my work as it’s the only time I can truly switch off is when I’m in the garden getting my hands dirty weeding, it’s amazing how this period of quiet can alter the way you work and often the simplest of things can inspire your work. Nature offers so many forms, shapes, textures and tones you just have to take the time to look and explore.

Heritage - Many of my sculptures uses traditional materials such as willow to create shapes that reflect natures patterns, but other times it can be the traditional craft of weaving that can supply endless ways of fastening, linking and combining multiple strands. In addition to the traditional crafts and techniques is history itself, I have always found heritage fascinating and have delved into my own family history many times, but when a commission begins I love the chance to delve into a new branch of history. Joining the Mickleover History Society each month and compiling my own research has been a great source of inspiration and intrigue, I suppose that when you are creating a public art piece that has the potential to still be here long after I am gone, I like to think that one day someone will be delving into the history of the sculpture and enjoy finding out what inspired the artist.

So looking forward to the coming months I will be continuing my search on “The Trail of the Missing Sculpture” and looking at nature for inspiration and who knows what may be created? Only time will tell.