A striking 12ft high sculpture celebrating the works of two prominent Scottish artists could take pride of place outside the new St James Quarter after plans were submitted to city chiefs.
‘On the Shoulders of Giants’ will feature likenesses of textile designer Bernat Kleint and painter and sculptor Cecile Walton rendered in eye-catching laser cut struts jutting upwards from a central base plate at the base of the new development’s prominent ribbon design and is set to offer different views depending on which side it is approached.
The work, designed by sculptor David Harber, is said to “communicate and connect to the aspirations of a younger generation of Scottish people” and represent “how social and creative change and development over the last century is helping to shape the future” according to a design statement submitted to the City of Edinburgh Council.
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Kleint and Walton, both of whom worked in sculpture alongside their more renowned forms, were eminent members of the Scottish arts community in the 20th century.
If given the go-ahead, the sculpture will become the first piece of public realm artwork to feature in the retail and leisure complex since it opened last summer.
While walking up the steps towards the centre, the artwork is to show a younger man and woman, designed to represent Scotland’s future, while going down the way will give a nod to the country’s artistic past with the outlines of Kleint and Walton.
According to the design statement, the piece has been “devised as a prominent long-term piece of public art.”
It adds: “From the outset we were keen to make the piece dynamic, and something the public could engage visually with.
“Given this is a major access point, we wanted to develop a sculpture that offered a distinct experience depending whether you were walking up or walking down the steps.
“It was important that the sculpture communicated and connected to the aspirations to a younger generation of Scottish people, and how social and creative change and development over the last century has, and is helping to shape the future.”
Serbian-born Kleint supplied textiles and fabrics to iconic European fashion houses including Chanel, Dior and Saint Laurent after basing himself in Scotland in the mid-20th century.
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He passed away at the age of 91 in 2014 after being awarded an honorary degree from Heriot Watt University.
Walton meanwhile, alongside husband Eric, was among the most notable members of Scotland’s symbolist movement as part of the Edinburgh Group earlier in the century.
The design statement adds: “When walking up the steps, the younger man and woman become visible, with their heads held high, looking forward to a bright future.
“As you walk down the steps, the forms of Bernat Klein and Cecile Walton become visible, making a reference to past achievements, thinking and contributions.
“Both views, whether looking up or down the steps, are however inextricably linked.”
The plans will be considered by Council chiefs.
