Cable & Wireless Collection II
During 2006-2007 HS projects was invited to undertake a second evaluation of Cable & Wireless’ art collection, following the re-structuring of the company into two separate businesses; the older core cable based business and the new digital technology based communication company.
We produced a detailed report following close consultation with our clients, that led to the rationalisation of the collection to reflect this change. Works that had a historical connection to the technological advances of the company, we relocated to the Cable & Wireless Museum in Porthcurno, Cornwall, while works that were no longer relevant to the collection we sold at auction.
We selected the more cutting edge works from the collection and curated an exhibition for Cable & Wireless’ new head office at the Point in Paddington Basin to foster a dynamic environment to stimulate critical thinking.
Glasgow Airport Collection
HS Projects commissioned ‘The Golden City’, 1996, an emblematic work by Steven Campbell that became a centrepiece of the Glasgow Airport Art Collection.
“Campbell’s vision for the airport mural is inspired by the view as you approach the city from the north. Cupped by dark woods, ploughed fields and flowers … an idealised and idyllic Glasgow, but one bound to please travellers.” Clare Henry, Glasgow Herald.
‘The Golden City’ celebrates the City of Glasgow, greeting passengers at the airport as they processed their way through International Departures.
“The painting is made up of three views of the City of Glasgow: the Clyde Estuary; the view from the countryside; and a view from the University Tower. The symbolism of the painting centres around the story of the emblem of Glasgow. It also takes account of St Mungo’s stories, trying to give history a vision. I’ve aimed to get the balance between nature and the city; the ‘Dear Green Place’, idea. It’s been tempting to add something dramatic, but it would have been the wrong thing to do for the location. It’s not the place to be dark and moody. No way. I want people to be uplifted; invigorated. I love Glasgow!” Steven Campbell.
‘The Golden City’ is now in the collection of the Paisley Museum and Art Galleries, Renfrewshire, Scotland which will re-open in 2024 following an ambitious refurbishment.
‘Murals 1959′, Stefan Knapp
Working in collaboration with BAA and Richard Rogers Partnership, we re-instated ‘Murals 1959’ for the Terminal 1 Flight Connection Centre at Heathrow Airport in 1996. We managed the whole process including the acquisition, restoration and installation of the murals.
‘Murals 1959’ had originally been commissioned for Heathrow Airport’s first modern terminal building in 1959 when Stefan Knapp was an established international artist with major commissions in the UK, Europe and the USA. Knapp pioneered the technique of large scale painting in enamel on steel panels, enabling him to take an architectural approach to his public centred work.
‘Murals 1959’ was at Heathrow from 1996 until 2017 when the work was decommissioned by Heathrow as part of the preparation for the re-development of Heathrow in anticipation of the third runway.
We re-instated ‘Murals 1959′ as part of the BAA Art Programme in 1996.