New art installations to transform town centre

Flourishing Barnstaple has unveiled the successful artists chosen to create public art installations in the town centre. 

The announcement comes as part of an exciting initiative to bring vibrant, creative expressions to key locations in Barnstaple, with the hope of transforming the town into a dynamic cultural hub.

The selected artists, Edward Crumpton and Jessica Pearson, Michael Pinsky, and Athena Jane Churchill, will each be responsible for a unique installation that reflects Barnstaple’s rich heritage, natural beauty, and community spirit.

Edward and Jessica’s interactive sculpture, ‘Quay Sounds,’ will be installed at Rolle Quay. The artwork will feature copper foghorns, inviting passers-by to connect with the past, present, and future of Barnstaple’s maritime history. 

The soundscapes, created by local writers, musicians, and community members, will resonate through the horns, allowing the voices of Barnstaple and its twin towns to echo throughout the space. 

As an inclusive feature, a shorter horn will be available for children and wheelchair users, making this artwork accessible to all.

Michael Pinsky’s ‘Tidal Triplets’ will be placed on the Strand and inspired by Barnstaple’s tidal rhythms. 

This installation will feature three clock-like faces, showing the high and low tides of the River Taw, as well as the neap and spring phases. 

The hands of these clocks will echo those of Barnstaple’s historic Albert Clock, providing a poetic representation of the constant motion of the river.

Athena Jane Churchill’s ‘Welcome Sign Mosaic’ will be positioned near the railway station, offering a welcoming gateway to Barnstaple. 

The intricate mosaic is said to reflect the town’s rich trade, craftsmanship, and natural environment, including symbols like the River Taw and Long Bridge. 

The piece will also celebrate Barnstaple’s place within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, reinforcing the town’s cultural and ecological significance.

The open call for artists attracted 63 submissions, which were carefully reviewed by a panel of local representatives and professionals from North Devon Council. 

The public’s input, alongside expert evaluation, played a crucial role in selecting the winning designs.

Flourishing Barnstaple’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Michelle Nicholson-Sanz, on behalf of North Devon Council, said: “We would like to thank everyone who took part in the public consultation, voting for their favourite designs and sharing their valuable feedback.

“Our gratitude also goes to the members of the Town Team for Culture Public Art Subgroup, whose ongoing support has been pivotal in bringing public art to Barnstaple from the outset of this initiative. We also wish to acknowledge the evaluators, whose expertise was instrumental in assessing the proposals we received. The strong support from multiple stakeholders highlights the community's collective passion for making Barnstaple a more vibrant, creative, and welcoming place.”

The artists will now work to finalise their pieces, which are expected to be installed by March 2026. 

This initiative is made possible by Flourishing Barnstaple, a North Devon Council project supported by the Cultural Development Fund, administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. These public art installations are just one aspect of an ongoing effort by North Devon Council to revitalise Barnstaple through cultural activity, fostering community involvement and showcasing the town’s unique character.