Charles Hadcock in the Architects Data File

Year: 2014
Publication: Architects Data File
 

Art and architecture combined to create beauty for buildings

Creating work that emphasises the subtle similarities between architecture and art is something that comes naturally to British sculptor Charles Hadcock RBS. Hadcock, whose latest collection ‘Elements’ is now being exhibited at 60, Threadneedle Street, Bank, EC2, has produced a body of work that compliments both internal and external spaces playing with organic lines and man made elements alike, making it a suitable option to meet public art planning permission constraints. Drawing away from his international reputation for placing monumental sculpture outside prestigious office developments and real estate, the new sculptures, displayed in the foyer of the Eric Parry RA designed building, draw upon Hadcock’s engineering experience, combing geometry with mathematics to create works of aesthetic beauty.

Charles Hadcock, said;

“I have worked on projects by some of the world’s best known architects, placing permanent sculptures outside their buildings. However, for this collection I have made a conscious decision to produce a body of work which is more portable yet still substantial in size. The pieces have been made taking into account static floor loading and accessibility so that they can be delivered and displayed anywhere.”

Designing his work with movement and transportation in mind, even Hadcock’s larger pieces are easily made at home inside a variety of locations, from the top floors of multi-story office blocks and skyscrapers to outdoor exhibition spaces. Hadcock’s mathematical mind and eye for design mean his works compliment a host of venues; no surprise then that he has multiple pieces in the art collection on permanent display at Canary Wharf, which homes one of the largest public art collections in the country. He also has work on display at an array of other venues across Britain, including prestigious locations such as London Bridge and Shoe Lane. His current exhibition at Threadneedle Street was installed by structural engineers WSP this May, the same team that worked on the creation of the building itself.

Bill Price, Director from WSP, said;

“There are some strong connections between engineering and art. Charles always wants to have a dialogue about how to realise his ideas and to understand the design constraints. The process of understanding the sculpture through Charles explaining the concept is always interesting. Charles, unlike some other artists has always built our time and effort into his delivery planning. His clients seem to appreciate this attention to detail and the support we provide in terms of calculations, drawings, risk assessment and installation methods.”

This article originally featured in the Architects Data File.