INTRODUCTION

Please note: The project is currently progressing through the final stages of the planning process, including public consultation.

Further updates on the two other Mindenhurst public artworks will follow.

Diamonds and Circles is one of three site-specific public artworks being developed by Tom Pearman for Mindenhurst, the redevelopment of the former Princess Royal Barracks at Deepcut.

The sculpture responds to the nearby Basingstoke Canal and abstracts a pair of narrowboat cabin doors. Its diamonds, circles and bold colours draw on the decorative traditions of Britain’s working canal boats.

The central vertical opening is a key part of the design. As well as suggesting the meeting and opening of the two cabin doors, it references the deep engineered cutting through which the canal passes and from which Deepcut takes its name.

The reverse face presents a concise history of the canal at Deepcut, including the 14-lock flight, commercial trade, engineering and restoration.

The artwork forms part of a wider group of three commissions exploring canal heritage, the natural landscape and Deepcut’s military history, developed in consultation with Surrey Heath Borough Council and Surrey County Council.