ChalkStack, Ashmere

Significant gateway commission for strategic development

FrancisKnight was appointed to manage a significant gateway public art commission for strategic development at Ashmere. This commission was a joint venture between Countryside Clarion and Henley Camland.

In early 2024 the commission was completed. ChalkStack designed by Jo Chapman, stands at the entrance of Ashmere, in an elevated position, at approximately six metres high on the terraced landscape. It plays on the idea of stacked drawing chalks and uses this simple cylindrical shape to build into a large sculpture composed of multiple elements.

Inspired by the soft colours of drawing chalks, the sculpture explores geometric patterns and colours. It has a light-hearted approach that makes visible one of the many end products of quarrying chalk.

The use of strong colours stands out against the trees and landscaping at the entrance so it can be seen from a distance on the surrounding roads and paths. The organic-shaped profile of the sculpture is inspired by the shapes of flint and chalk found at the site.