Art / News
Pioneering engineer Sarah Guppy could be remembered in collaborative artwork
Three artists are hoping to work together on a permanent artwork which will commemorate who they describe as an “unsung Bristolian heroine”.
Sarah Guppy (1770-1852) was an inventor and the first woman ever to patent a bridge, with an oft-repeated but widely debunked theory that she designed the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
A triple portrait of Guppy in paint, light and steel by Duncan McKellar and Stewy could be accompanied by a description of her painted by Emily Joy Rich.
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The artists hope that their piece will “promote renewable energy, and create a legacy which will inspire women to study STEM subjects for years to come”.
Stewy is planning to paint a 15-metre portrait of Guppy on John Street in the Old City, with McKellar installing 15 stainless steel mirrors on the neighbouring wall, which will be arranged and angled to reflect sunlight and create a projection of her portrait on the street below.
The artwork is being planned for a corner of John Street close to the Bank Tavern – image: Duncan McKellar / Stewy
McKellar is best known for his sculptures made from yellow scaffold protection foam, while Stewy’s stencils of well-known figures from Bristol’s past and present can be found across the city.
Emily Joy Rich is a designer and lettering artist, whose work can currently be seen on the outside of the former Bank of England building in Castle Park.
Stewy’s stencil of Brunel on a Brompton is next to Mud Dock bike shop – photo: Martin Booth
Duncan McKellar’s latest piece on this corner of Castle Park is in solidarity with the people of Ukraine – photo: Martin Booth
Emily Joy Rich’s work on the side of the former Bank of England building – photo: Martin Booth
McKellar hopes that the proposed artwork of Guppy will be able to make it off the drawing board and onto John Street, but to make that happen it will need funding.
“I think this could be a unique and quite progressive piece of street art,” McKellar said.
“It’s a double portrait in paint and metal that will then create a third portrait of light on the ground, creating a sculpture on the floor that doesn’t take up any space.
“And in Sarah Guppy it highlights the story of an unsung Bristol heroine.”
To find out more about the proposal, visit www.duncanmckellar.com/john-street-prop
Main image: Stewy
Read next:
- ‘The Old City has been abandoned, neglected and unloved for many years’
- Wonderful new street art in Bedminster
- Historic graveyard to be opened to public for first time in decades
- Most ambitious work yet from unique Bristol artist
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