Celebrations as Stephen Broadbent sculpture dedicated to University in ceremony
An impressive artwork by renowned sculptor Stephen Broadbent has been officially dedicated to the University of Chester.
Stephen’s sculptures are seen by millions each year in Chester city centre, with the Water of Life feature a centrepiece in Chester Cathedral’s cloister garden, and the 16ft Celebration of Chester figures prominently placed at Chester Town Hall Square. He is also well known for the River of Life sculpture in Warrington.
Now a four-metre bronze sculpture, titled Challenge, has a new home at the University’s Exton Park campus, having once stood outside the former Capital Bank building in Chester.
The sculpture is located near the Chester School of Education and depicts a large figure confronting itself atop a supporting column. It has been donated to the University and a ceremony celebrating its siting in a beautifully renovated courtyard was held.
Special guests including the Lord Mayor of Chester Cllr Razia Daniels and Storyhouse CEO Annabel Turpin joined University Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons, alumni, governors, staff and students as University Chancellor Dr Gyles Brandreth and Chester Students’ Union (CSU) Vice President Adedayo Adebisi helped Stephen untie the ribbon on Challenge.
Vice-Chancellor of the University Professor Eunice Simmons said: “This sculpture is a great addition to the University.
“My thanks to sculptor Stephen Broadbent and his engagement with us in deciding where to locate the statue. We created this gorgeous courtyard from an area of derelict garaging so my particular thanks go to our estates, grounds and gardens staff - well done ‘Team Chester’!”
University Chancellor Dr Gyles Brandreth said: “I have loved the work of Stephen Broadbent since I first came across it in Warrington and have appreciated his works in Chester over many years. I think it’s thrilling that we have this exciting sculpture on campus.
“The word ‘challenge’ is exciting and celebrating a marvellous set of buildings with this wonderful Challenge is just a great thing to do.”
Sculptor Stephen Broadbent said: “The notion of Challenge was very much about looking at yourself in the mirror and challenging yourself to be your best. It is set on a metronome-like structure that gives a sense of balance.
“It’s wonderful for it to be here in the University; I think it was the place it was designed for. My thanks to the team for the setting they have created and to the Vice-Chancellor for taking it on.”
As well as the dedication, Stephen gave a talk hosted by Professor Tim Grady entitled Keeping Faith in Art at the Chester School of Education, in which he drew upon over 40 years of experience as an artist, sculptor and designer, while reflecting on the ways he has reconciled a Christian world view to the contemporary culture in which he lives and works.
The event also saw two trees planted as part of the new landscaping by Gyles and CSU President Lily Watson. The planting recognises Gyles’ contribution since becoming Chancellor in March 2017 and celebrates students past, present and future.
