More than fifty years after its foundation, Harlow New Town remains a model for urban design. Much of this is due to the inspiration of Sir Frederick Gibberd, the town's Master Planner. But Harlow has an extra dimension. More than any other new town, Harlow is known for its exceptional sculpture collection. Sited throughout the town is a collection of sculptures of national significance. In the main squares and precincts, in numerous public buildings and at several schools, sculptures by artists, both famous and lesser known, are to be found.
Be stimulated by Harlow’s art and sculpture
Sculptures of the Collection
Bird by Michael Chase
Julia by Gerda Rubenstein
Organic Form by Michael Austin
Relief by William Mitchell
Runaway Rotavator by Allan Sly
Sheep Shearer by Ralph Brown
Shoal by Will Spankie
Still Life by Fred Watson
Harlow's sculpture collection has become as much part of the social history and human geography of the town as its housing, public buildings and open spaces. This is largely the result of the work of the Harlow Art Trust who continues to commission and site sculptures in Harlow.
Sir Frederick’s vision was aesthetic as well as practical; hence, today, his Garden and the Gibberd Gallery, housed on the first floor of the Civic Centre which contains his impressive art collection of twentieth century painters, including the likes of John Piper and Graham Sutherland. At the foot of the stairs sits a Henry Moore Sculpture, ‘Family Group’; a dignified sculpture of mother, father and child, resonating strongly with the reason for Harlow’s existence in the first place.
Driving through pleasant green suburbs, it’s plain to see that sculpture in the living environment is a central feature of the town. Works of all concepts and sizes by Moore, Rodin, Frink, Hepworth and over eighty more stand grandly in prime sites or hover unobtrusively a few yards from suburban doorways. The awe-inspiring stainless steel ‘Solo Flight’ by Antanas Brazdys, dominates a green expanse outside the town centre opposite a venerable church.
A short break in Harlow could indeed refresh you with the green of its vistas and stimulate you with the propositions of its art and sculpture.
Harlow's sculpture collection has become as much part of the social history and human geography of the town as its housing, public buildings and open spaces. This is largely the result of the work of the Harlow Art Trust who continues to commission and site sculptures in Harlow.
A short break in Harlow could indeed refresh you with the green of its vistas, stimulate you with the propositions of its art and sculpture.
The River Stort Sculpture Trail
Discover some original and stunning sculpture made from a variety of materials along The River Stort Sculpture Trail.
This sculpture trail celebrates Harlow's waterside heritage. Four freestanding sculptures and a glass and metal walkway form the three-and-a-half mile waterside trail along the River Stort linking Parndon Mill to the Gibberd Garden in Harlow.
The sculptures along the trail add a real element of surprise to a waterside walk; each one has a story to tell about the local area. Walkers, cyclists, boaters and art lovers alike can admire these creations alongside the natural beauty of the area. The sculptures are situated at Parndon Lock, Burnt Mill Lock, Latton Lock and Harlow Lock along the River Stort, whilst the raised glass and metal walkway spans the weir at Parndon Mill.
As you explore the surrounding area why not pop-in to Parndon Mill where you can watch artists getting creative in their studios and workshops on special open days and visit the fine art gallery. Parndon Moat Marsh and Maymeads Marsh, two of Harlow’s local nature reserves, are also nearby where you can discover rare species of wildlife.
This sculpture trail celebrates Harlow's waterside heritage. Four freestanding sculptures and a glass and metal walkway form the three-and-a-half mile waterside trail along the River Stort linking Parndon Mill to the Gibberd Garden in Harlow.
Flowing Onwards by Angela Godfrey
-by-Alan-Freeman-and-Karen-Murphy.jpg "Over The Weir (Footbridge) by Alan Freeman and Karen Murphy")
Mill by Nicola Burrell
Short Stort Thoughts by Graeme Mitcheson
The Flowing River by Anthony Lysycia
