Tag Archives: Philip Treacy

COWLEY MANOR & COUTTS TO CREATE SCULPTURE AWARD WITH THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART

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COWLEY MANOR & COUTTS PARTNER TO CREATE SCULPTURE AWARD WITH THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART

Sculpture exhibition open to public: 3 May to 30 September 2012

London: Cheltenham’s infamous Cowley Manor and Private Bank Coutts have partnered to create a unique and inspiring sculpture competition for post graduates from the Royal College of Art. Of the 27 submitted concepts, eight have been awarded funding to bring their designs to life. The sculptures will then go on to be displayed at Cowley Manor from 3rd May through to 30 September, with the winning sculpture taking up permanent residence in the 55 acre grounds of the manors grade II listed gardens.

With an alumni boasting Tracey Emin, James Dyson, Philip Treacy and Erdem as well as David Hockney and Aston Martin designer Marek Reichman, the world-famous Royal College of Art’s post graduates are tipped for success. The winner of the award is being announced at an event to launch the exhibition in the grounds of Cowley Manor on 2nd May.

The sculptures, based on the brief: ‘Cowley Manor and its rich history, grounds and reputed contemporary design’ in the exhibition include:

o Ben Fowlers – 8ft tall wire ‘Tornado’;
o Claire Poulter – Underwater Mirrored balls;
o Cradeaux Alexander – garden plaques with a twist;
o Emma Alonze – Carrot trousers cast in brass;
o Lauren Kelly – brightly coloured geometric sculptures;
o Lucy Tomlins – Concrete Country in Blue – 2.5 metre concrete stile;
o Wonwoo Lee – 3 metre steel sign interpretation titled ‘Hey’; and
o Zoe Paul – 2.4m wide Palace of Aegae sculpted rock.

The judging panel includes many art collectors, artists and entrepreneurs hand-selected by Cowley Manor and Coutts from across Gloucestershire. With many millions of people expected to descend on the UK over the summer for the Jubilee and Olympics, and many of these expected to visit the world-known beautiful British Cotswolds, the unique exhibition is the perfect day out or mini-break hotspot just 70 minutes out of London.

Christine Wadley, Client Partner for Coutts in Cheltenham commented: “Coutts has a long-standing history of championing the creative industries, and have looked after many clients from within the art and design world for many decades. Today we recognise and support British design excellent in order to aid growth and foster future British talent. This partnership with Cowley and the RCA is further evidence of that.”

Peter Frankopan, owner and founder of ‘A Curious Group of Hotels’ including Cowley Manor commented: “In its 10th year, Cowley Manor has long been in support of emerging British talent with many original works of art, textiles and bespoke furniture created by British artists, artisans and craftsman displayed throughout the manor and its 30 bedrooms. By partnering with Coutts, the future support and awareness of young artists trained at the Royal College of Art has been made possible.”

Steve Bunn, RCA Sculpture Tutor said: “Having the opportunity to work with Coutts and Cowley Manor on this exhibition has been a fantastic experience for our students. Site specific art like this is a great way to showcase the work of some very talented young artists.”

Hotel residents, restaurant guests and picnic-goers will be able to enjoy the exhibition at Cowley Manor, Cowley, Gloucestershire, GL53 9NL. Many of the pieces will be available for private sale with the proceeds going towards the young artists.

The exhibition, featuring all of the post graduate first and second year student submissions, will open on

Thursday 3 May and run through to 30 September.

#couttscowley

Lady Gaga confused by personas

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Lady Gaga no longer knows the difference between her real self and on stage persona.

The ‘Born This Way’ hitmaker – whose real name is Stefani Germanotta – admits she throws herself so completely into her outlandish costumes and performances, her outfits have become as much a part of her as her vital organs.

She said: “The lines for myself have become so blurred now, I know not the difference between a moment of performance and a moment of honesty. If you were to ask me to remove my Philip Treacy hat at a party, in truth it is the emotional and physical equivalent of requesting I remove my liver.

“I know not the difference between the hair that grows from my head and the teal wigs that grow from my imagination. They are the same. They are both honest, and always have been. So maybe I know nothing of ‘the art of escapism.’ I was just Born This Way. I revere the dream to be real. I am always, and shall forever be, private in public.”

The eccentric singer insists the way she presents herself is her “destiny” and she is always part of a show that celebrates her own “uniqueness”.

She wrote in her column for V magazine: “Art is a lie. And every day I kill to make it true. It is my destiny to exist halfway between reality and fantasy at all times. They call me ‘theatrical,’ but I posit profusely that I am theatre, and that theatre is me. I am a show with no intermission.

“It is this thing that summons me from the depths of reality and reminds me that the power of transformation is endless. That I (we) possess something magical and transformative inside- a uniqueness and specialness waiting to be exiled from the depths of our identity. ”