Philip Melling   Sculpture, Art and Design 

The University of Warwick have just reached their 50th anniversary, and wanted to commission a sculpture that celebrated and gave thanks to all the benefactors who have contributed over the years to their success.

The sculpture is made from a series of stainless steel rings which have 300 benefactor's names engraved on their surface. These embody the concept of a ripple effect, and how such donations have influenced the University’s future. 

Those who have contributed to the University include the founding donors - who helped the university in it’s formative years, as well as more recent donors - who have  been instrumental in enabling the University to develop and grow into the site of excellence it is today. 

My aim in approaching the commission was to design a piece that commemorated the university’s benefactors whilst avoiding the static look that plaques and monoliths typically have. The sculpture needed to embody vibrance, movement and the continuous changes that have occurred and continue to occur because of the benefactors’ generosity and support - a ripple effect. Even though the sculpture is made from metal which in itself is a heavy material, I hope to capture a lightness of form that suggests a feeling of fluid opportunity.

And the sculpture itself will continue to grow, as future donors’ names are added in the years to come.

The sculpture was unveiled  on October 16th by the University's Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Nigel Thrift, during a ceremony attended by a large group of University benefactors and staff.

'Ripple Effect' measures H 2060 x W 2000 x D 800mm, and was fabricated by Benson Sedgwick Engineering.

The 300 names and University logos were engraved onto the surface by Clive Gurner from The Guest Collection

The sculpture was transported by David Watson Transport