Art you’ve helped support: June highlights

Every month we spotlight a few works of art that we've been able to fund recently, thanks to your support. Here's this month's picks – from a powerful public sculpture in Hackney to masterful pottery in Wakefield.

It’s thanks to Art Fund members and donors that we're able to support museums across the UK, helping them to buy and share works of art and get exciting new projects off the ground.

This month marks an important milestone in the annual calendar as we celebrate Windrush Day on the 22 June, and we’re thrilled to have supported a fantastic public artwork honouring the Windrush Generation. Created by British sculptor Thomas J Price, Warm Shores was unveiled outside Hackney Town Hall in London, where it will remain on permanent display.

Other highlights this month include two more dazzling sculptures: firstly, a pair of striking outdoor bronzes on the Southbank; and secondly, a gorgeous asymmetric pot by acclaimed UK potter, Magdalene Odundo.

Take a look below. And don’t forget, you’ll get great benefits when you visit with a National Art Pass.

Thomas J Price - Warm Shores
Photo: Damian Griffiths

A poignant public sculpture

This remarkable sculpture was designed by Thomas J Price, who alongside artist Veronica Ryan, was commissioned to create public works honouring Hackney’s Windrush generation. Whilst visiting it outside Hackney Town Hall, you can also see Ryan’s commission that was unveiled in October 2021 – large marble and bronze sculptures of fruit and vegetables – just around the corner at St Augustine’s Tower.

Warm Shores will exist as a permanent reminder to residents and visitors to Hackney of the borough’s ongoing commitment to welcoming migrants from around the world.

Two unusual fountains

These bronze sculptures were designed by German contemporary artist Klaus Weber, known for his inventive fountains and interactive works. Peacock and Thinking Fountain sit dramatically outside the entrance to the Hayward Gallery on London’s Southbank.

Both works have been inspired by the portal sculptures seen on Gothic cathedrals – while water cascades from the bridge above, deflating Peacock’s plumage, Thinking Fountain is arranged in a contemplative pose with water spouting from the neck suggesting flowing thoughts.

Klaus Weber, Thinking Fountains, 2021, Hayward Gallery, Art Funded 2021.
Klaus Weber, Thinking Fountains, 2021, Hayward Gallery, Art Funded 2021.
Photo: Thierry Bal

An asymmetric pot

Kenyan-born British potter, Magdalene Odundo is considered one of the finest studio potters working in the UK today. After travelling to Nigeria to learn the traditional ceramic techniques of Abuja pottery, Odundo has spent the last several decades developing her own signature style of replicating the human form in pottery.

This piece, entitled Asymmetric Vessel, has found a new home at the Hepworth Wakefield where it will sit amongst their inspiring collection of British studio pottery, including another striking work by Odundo entitled Esinasulo.

Magdalene Odundo, Asymmetric Vessel, 2021
Magdalene Odundo, Asymmetric Vessel, 2021, The Hepworth Wakefield, Art Funded 2022.
© Magdalene Anyango Namakhiya Odundo

Membership gives back: The National Art Pass helps museums to buy and share works of art for everyone to enjoy, as well as run exciting projects that connect more people with art. Find out more.


Descriptions of objects featured in this article are based on content compiled by Marcus Field for Art Quarterly magazine, where you can find out more about works of art you've helped support.

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