[interview] the project story
Project Overview
The Wesley College Mace has been created as a symbolic statement to mark the sesquicentenary of Wesley College in 2016. This milestone in the history of the College is being celebrated and commemorated in many ways. The Wesley College Mace is intended to be one of the lasting and more tangible legacies of 2016 as it will be symbolically and literally passed onto future generations of the Wesley College community.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Paul Charlwood
Matt Blythman
Andrew Peter
Project Brief
Today a mace is used in a variety of settings by parliaments, local government or academic institutions and often features as part of a formal ceremonial procession, meeting or other solemn event. It was agreed that the Wesley College Mace would need to reflect our symbols and traditions as well as reinforce Wesley’s well-known reputation as an innovative school. The final design for the mace is a clear and symbolic statement and, through its bold, bright and modern look clearly signals to all that Wesley College is forward looking and has since the opening in 1866 honoured the school motto everyday - Sapere Aude – “Dare to be Wise”.
Project Innovation/Need
The Wesley College Mace is a bold, highly-finished and striking piece of contemporary design that pays homage to the traditional form of a mace, and yet presents as a piece of modern art. The mace is a metal club-like staff of one metre in length that elegantly tapers outwards from the tip of its base to eventually branch out in a tree-like form that cradles a glowing light source. The striking design reminds us of the story of the tree of life or read another way the guiding light through the journey of life. The Wesley College colours of purple and gold are unmissable. The staff has a gleaming gold patina that is broken only by incised decorative elements. Purple is represented in the bulb device that is both cradled in, and seemingly bursting out of the branches of the tree. This purple-coloured acrylic light source glows suggesting energy and life. It is expected that the Wesley College Mace will be viewed from a distance - perhaps in procession and/or on its display standard.
Design Challenge
The Wesley College Mace is based on ancient symbol of authority, but it has been conceived as a contemporary statement on Wesley College today and tomorrow. Its striking contemporary design symbolically acknowledges one hundred and fifty years of history and atop of the staff is the glowing and living light representing the immediacy of the present and the aspirations for the future. The Wesley College Mace embodies the spirit of the College Sapere Aude that is “daring to be wise”.
Sustainability
Prechous metals such ar 24 cart gold and sterling silver, alumium for light weight. Should last 150 years.
Product Design - Education
This award celebrates creative and innovative design for either a component or overall product. Consideration given to aspects that relate to human usage, aesthetics, selection of components and materials, and the resolution of assembly, manufacturing and the overall function.
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