we got the official word that the council is finally digging out the base of the boulder. im honestly still in shock that this worked but it goes to show what happens when we refuse to let them ignore us. keep an eye on the park in case they try …
February 22, 2017
Final supporters
The integrity of John Frankland’s 65-ton solid granite sculpture, Boulder 2 in Mabley Green has been severely compromised, both as an artwork and as a climbing boulder. This is the result of Hackney Council’s recent re-landscaping of this East London green space. Boulder 2 is one of two landmark public artworks that were commissioned by the acclaimed arts organisation PEER. The ‘sister’, Boulder 1 is sited in Shoreditch Park, and both were installed 2008.
John Frankland, as well as many members of the arts and climbing communities ask that you join them in their request for Hackney Council to remove the mounds of earth and planting that surround and abut Boulder 2.
Here are the reasons why we would like you to support our campaign.
- Boulder 2 is an important public artwork that is much loved by the local community, but whose impact has been radically altered by the re-landscaping of Mabley Green.
- Central to the artist’s intention for this artwork was that it placed in the center of Mabley Green, to be viewable from 360 degrees, like a megalith or standing stone.
- Equally vital for the artist was that Boulder 2 should be climbed. It provides an important opportunity for the London climbing community to have access to an outdoor, natural rock, with 37 established ‘problems’ (climbing routes) that vary in difficulty and cater for a range of climbing abilities.
- One side of Boulder 2 has been buried beneath 1.5 metres of earth, which has made approximately half of the routes unclimbable.
- As a result of the re-landscaping, areas of Boulder 2 have now been identified by the Director of the Mile End Climbing Wall as a potential health and safety risk if climbed.
- At the time of installation of both Boulder 1 and Boulder 2, a contract between Hackney Council and artist was agreed. It states that the boulders “… are site-specific works and it is integral to the Works that they are seen in a natural, unaltered environment. Hackney Council undertake to maintain the Works so that their integrity is not compromised."
- The contract between artist and Hackney Council further states that, “Hackney Council agrees to adopt the Works as part of the infrastructure of the parks. … (and) assumes responsibility for the care and maintenance of the Works, … (and) will remediate and maintain the environment of the spaces around the Works”
This project was supported by and Deutsche Bank, Shoreditch Trust and The Henry Moore Foundation. To look at the film specially commissioned about this project follow this link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAcym4hTHT8
For further information about the Mabley Green Boulder and other videos, follow these links.
http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=9499...
https://27crags.com/crags/mabley-green/topos/mable...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45xIzQO973Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_YscGRnC6w
Thank you for your support
John Frankland
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
December 4, 2016
Reached 100 supporters
November 20, 2016
102 Comments
This is a disgraceful waste of such a wonderful work. The artificial landscaping is both offensive and ridiculous visually, but the very functionality at the core of the work of art has been rendered null, by submerging many of the most chellenging climbing routes.
What is the point of commissioning and installing beautiful and meaningful pieces of art for all to enjoy when their significance and setting is spoilt by mindless maintenance. Talk to the artist and agree how the damage can be remedied. C Gardiner (MARIBA, CAABC)
I have found the Boulders invaluable to my mental health, as nothing relaxes and soothes my soul as much as being able to lose myself on the rock face. Please do not leave the boulder the way it is, covered and ruined.
I would urge LBH to please return this work to its original context by removing the surrounding earth, and honouring the original contract details. Would LBH pile earth against a bronze statue of Jules Pipe, heaven forbid there was such a thing?
What Hackney Council has done (maybe without realising it) is tantamount to defacing the canvas on which this work of art has been painted. It needs to be restored.
:'(
The boulder save many people during the pandemic. It should be honoured by being restored to it's former glory.
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we got the official word that the council is finally digging out the base of the boulder. im honestly still in shock that this worked but it goes to show what happens when we refuse to let them ignore us. keep an eye on the park in case they try …
February 22, 2017
Final supporters
The integrity of John Frankland’s 65-ton solid granite sculpture, Boulder 2 in Mabley Green has been severely compromised, both as an artwork and as a climbing boulder. This is the result of Hackney Council’s recent re-landscaping of this East London green space. Boulder 2 is one of two landmark public artworks that were commissioned by the acclaimed arts organisation PEER. The ‘sister’, Boulder 1 is sited in Shoreditch Park, and both were installed 2008.
John Frankland, as well as many members of the arts and climbing communities ask that you join them in their request for Hackney Council to remove the mounds of earth and planting that surround and abut Boulder 2.
Here are the reasons why we would like you to support our campaign.
- Boulder 2 is an important public artwork that is much loved by the local community, but whose impact has been radically altered by the re-landscaping of Mabley Green.
- Central to the artist’s intention for this artwork was that it placed in the center of Mabley Green, to be viewable from 360 degrees, like a megalith or standing stone.
- Equally vital for the artist was that Boulder 2 should be climbed. It provides an important opportunity for the London climbing community to have access to an outdoor, natural rock, with 37 established ‘problems’ (climbing routes) that vary in difficulty and cater for a range of climbing abilities.
- One side of Boulder 2 has been buried beneath 1.5 metres of earth, which has made approximately half of the routes unclimbable.
- As a result of the re-landscaping, areas of Boulder 2 have now been identified by the Director of the Mile End Climbing Wall as a potential health and safety risk if climbed.
- At the time of installation of both Boulder 1 and Boulder 2, a contract between Hackney Council and artist was agreed. It states that the boulders “… are site-specific works and it is integral to the Works that they are seen in a natural, unaltered environment. Hackney Council undertake to maintain the Works so that their integrity is not compromised."
- The contract between artist and Hackney Council further states that, “Hackney Council agrees to adopt the Works as part of the infrastructure of the parks. … (and) assumes responsibility for the care and maintenance of the Works, … (and) will remediate and maintain the environment of the spaces around the Works”
This project was supported by and Deutsche Bank, Shoreditch Trust and The Henry Moore Foundation. To look at the film specially commissioned about this project follow this link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAcym4hTHT8
For further information about the Mabley Green Boulder and other videos, follow these links.
http://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crag.php?id=9499...
https://27crags.com/crags/mabley-green/topos/mable...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45xIzQO973Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_YscGRnC6w
Thank you for your support
John Frankland
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
December 4, 2016
Reached 100 supporters
November 20, 2016
102 Comments
It is a shame that the landscaping has affected the integrity of the work of art, the whole idea of the Boulder being a focal point on the green, is now undermined. All this without consulting the artist, very unprofessional, poor judgment by Hackney planning.
This is a disgraceful waste of such a wonderful work. The artificial landscaping is both offensive and ridiculous visually, but the very functionality at the core of the work of art has been rendered null, by submerging many of the most chellenging climbing routes.
What is the point of commissioning and installing beautiful and meaningful pieces of art for all to enjoy when their significance and setting is spoilt by mindless maintenance. Talk to the artist and agree how the damage can be remedied. C Gardiner (MARIBA, CAABC)
I have found the Boulders invaluable to my mental health, as nothing relaxes and soothes my soul as much as being able to lose myself on the rock face. Please do not leave the boulder the way it is, covered and ruined.
I would urge LBH to please return this work to its original context by removing the surrounding earth, and honouring the original contract details. Would LBH pile earth against a bronze statue of Jules Pipe, heaven forbid there was such a thing?
What Hackney Council has done (maybe without realising it) is tantamount to defacing the canvas on which this work of art has been painted. It needs to be restored.
:'(
The boulder save many people during the pandemic. It should be honoured by being restored to it's former glory.
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It is a shame that the landscaping has affected the integrity of the work of art, the whole idea of the Boulder being a focal point on the green, is now undermined. All this without consulting the artist, very unprofessional, poor judgment by Hackney planning.