Roman behind

17th December 2009

Picture shows: Janus Chairs artwork

ROMAN BEHIND

Walkers can take the weight off their feet and sit down in style this New Year at a unique art attraction in Northumberland. 

The Janus Chairs artwork at Kielder Water & Forest Park was aptly named after Janus, the Roman God of gates, doors, beginnings and endings. The namesake for the month of January, he was often depicted with two heads, one facing forwards and one facing behind and the unique chairs can be manoeuvred to spin round and face different directions too.

Shona Hendrick, events and activities development officer with Kielder Partnership, said: “For most people January is the time to start afresh and get outdoors and active. We’re encouraging visitors to the Park to blow away the cobwebs and try a four and a half mile walk or cycle to the Janus Chairs on the north shore of Kielder Water.

“It’s just one of a huge selection of routes using the Lakeside Way – the 26 mile multi user trail that follows the shoreline.”

Janus’ two faces were to regard what is behind and look towards what lies ahead.

Elisabeth Rowark, Kielder Partnership director, added: “January seems a perfect time to showcase the Janus Chairs, one of six new artworks launched last year. It’s also great for Kielder Partnership to look back at the success of 2009 - the capital developments such as the Lakeside Way, new artworks and mountain biking trails, and forward to 2010 - which will see us launching a new family cycle route and hopefully the return of our breeding ospreys.”

Located at Plashetts and designed by Newcastle based Ryder Architecture, the artwork consists of three large rotating seats that offer seating, shelter and views across Kielder Water. Based on the idea of flower petals in different stages of unfolding, the seats can be arranged in a social group and can be turned to face each other, the sun or the desired view.

The Janus Chairs are one of six new structures aimed at providing places for visitors to stop, take in the view and shelter on their walk or cycle. The new sculptures will add to the award winning art and architecture programme at the Park which has been running for more than ten years. In an area of 16 square miles there are 20 pieces to see, including Kielder Observatory and James Turrell’s Skyspace, making the Park the largest outdoor public art gallery in the UK.

Recent commissions have won the Stephen Lawrence Prize, three RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architecture) Awards and two Civic Trust Awards. Kielder Observatory picked up a prestigious Hadrian Award and the art and architecture programme was pronounced Client of the Year by RIBA.

Kielder Water & Forest Park, which spans 250 square miles, is home to the largest forest in England and the largest man-made lake in northern Europe. It was voted the most tranquil place in England by the Campaign to Protect Rural England. For more information go to www.visitkielder.com.

ENDS

For more information contact Philippa Clark, communications advisor (Kielder Water & Forest Park), on 0191 301 5538, 07970 897 756 or philippa.clark@nwl.co.uk.

Notes to editor:

The Kielder Partnership is a public, voluntary and private sector collaboration working to develop Kielder Water & Forest Park as an inspirational place for leisure, exploration and fun.

Partners are Calvert Trust Kielder, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, Northumberland County Council, Northumbrian Water plus representation from community groups.