Henry Cort Millennium Exhibition
The Henry Cort Exhibition
A key element of the project
is a permanent exhibition of the work of 12 blacksmith artists
from throughout Europe, celebrating the achievements of Henry
Cort - the 18th century 'man of iron' who pioneered the iron
refining processes, at Funtley near Fareham.
The pieces are described as modern, free, innovative and expressive, and although not concerned with direct reference to the past, the link and the cohesion is borne through the pieces incorporating puddled wrought iron and using traditional skills and techniques. Links with the past also include:
- the use of timber and other reference to the town's former maritime role
- Fareham's historic role as a livestock market serving the town's agricultural hinterland
- details in red brick, linking with the Borough's historic brick making industries
- refers not only to Henry Cort, but also to William Price whose first school was within the Millennium Square
The Henry Cort Millennium Exhibition is a permanent and exemplary exhibition of sculptural ironwork, produced by the finest contemporary artist blacksmiths in Europe. It is the largest permanent exhibition of its type in Britain, transforming West Street providing a unique and exciting experience to Fareham.
An international design competition was held in 10 September 1998 attracting submissions from over 120 artists, designers and blacksmiths. Selection of the winning designs was made by a Design Panel consisting of:
- Ms Amina Chatwin, Art and BABA expert
- Brigadier Paul C Cort, Descendent of Henry Cort
- Mr John Carroll, Representative of Fareham Retail Partnership (MQ) Ltd
- Mr John Guest, Chairman of Southampton & Fareham Chamber of Commerce
- Mr Philip Moss, Project Consultant
- Mr Paul Taylor, Project Consultant
- Councillor R H Price, Fareham Borough Council
- Councillor S D T Woodward, Fareham Borough Council
- Councillor M A Prior, Fareham Borough Council
- Councillor Mrs T A Short, Fareham Borough Council
- Councillor Peter Davies, Fareham Borough Council
- Mr David Kaye, Southern Arts Council
- Chris Topp, Technical Advisor
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