Light Art Sculpture – ‘Gingko’

Staffordshire Archives & Heritage Service has worked with sculptor Tony Stallard to create a light sculpture for the archway entrance to the Staffordshire History Centre.  ‘Gingko’ will be an eye-catching feature for visitors approaching from Eastgate Street and was installed to coincide with the opening of the History Centre in November 2024.

‘Gingko’ is a site-specific light sculpture inspired by the Gingko tree which stands in the courtyard outside the main entrance. Below are the old and ancient roots and above the young and growing new tree, but intriguingly all of the same growth.  The work aims to be a striking introduction to the new building and in so doing symbolises the old and the new: the Gingko tree suggests something ancient yet still growing and so symbolises the Staffordshire History Centre building and its collections.

‘Gingko’ is made from polished and patinated bronze, mirror polished stainless steel, Corten steel and LED lights which will change colour to reflect the passing seasons.

Tony has an international reputation as a sculptor and public artist.  As part of the project he has been leading workshops with a local school and a community disability arts group, sharing skills and helping the participants produce work which will be on display in the History Centre in 2025.