A CHARITY supporting older people in Winchester has recruited an artist to redesign a well for visitors to remember loved ones past and present.
Winchester artist Kezia Hoffman has been commissioned by St John’s Winchester to recreate the southside well.
Based just off Winchester High Street, the well is a place for almshouse residents and staff to reflect and relax in the courtyard garden. With many outside the St John’s community unaware of the well, the charity hopes to broaden its reach with its new lease of life.
A mirror on the floor of the well will reflect the bright light of the sky with a yin-yang pattern symbolising the cyclical seasons of life.
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The design also features a bell-shaped dome constructed from forged steel, with curves representing flowing water. Inside the decorative bell frame will be 12 copper leaves, designed to create the illusion that they are dancing in the wind.
St John’s Winchester supporters will have the opportunity to donate one of the 12 Legacy Leaves in memory of a loved one or a special time. Donors can have a name or meaningful quote etched onto their handcrafted leaf before it is incorporated in the finished work.
A special event will be held to celebrate the Legacy Leaf donors once the artwork is complete.
St John’s chief executive, Clive Cook, said: “For so many years, our well has been used as a place of contemplation and enjoyment by residents and staff alike. We now want to ensure our wider community can access this beautiful space, and Kezia’s imaginative design will help us to do just that.
“Through the Memory Well, we will welcome Winchester into the heart of our work and provide them with a place to connect with loved ones. This collaboration with our Legacy Leaf supporters will help us to realise this vision and create a space that is inspired by kindness and care and provides an opportunity for thoughtful reflection.”
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Artist Kezia Hoffman said: “I came to Winchester to study sculpture in 1995 and raised my two sons here. I've been dedicating my time to community arts, have a passion for art forms that connect people with their environment and each other.
“In the past few years, I have fallen in love with working with metal, especially copper. When I was asked to come up with ideas for the St John’s well, I felt everything clicked - the ideas just flowed, and I knew it would be an honour to be involved with a place steeped in history and to signify the flow of water and the lives of residents equally.
“People need places to feel at peace and I want this sculpture to embody that. It will be constructed by blacksmith, Gary Hodgetts, and we look forward to creating something beautiful for St John’s and Winchester.”
For more information email St John’s Winchester at office@stjohnswinchester.co.uk.
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