To the Stars

This sculpture was originally designed to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of Heritage First Group and is situated at Silverlake.  Rich history and abundant ecology interlock at Silverlake making it a spectacular location for those seeking to immerse themselves in one of the most unique offerings of English countryside.

Silverlake was formerly an RAF base and this heritage is celebrated throughout the estate and specifically on its logo depicting the Spitfire. As well as its historical strategic significance, Silverlake is home to many feathered masters of flight including warblers, larks, martins and nightjars.

To the Stars! has been designed as a homage to the RAF and the Spitfire, as well as a celebration of the beautiful birdlife that has made Silverlake their home.

The world famous Spitfire was king of low altitudes and the plane that turned the tide in the Battle of Britain. It’s agility in the air gave it the edge over enemy aircraft.

With the Spitfire in the Silverlake logo, it seemed fitting to reflect the iconic aircraft in this sculpture. Its aerobatic performance is represented in the looping trails of the birds. They create a ring that also reflects the RAF badge – which features an eagle emerging from a circle with the motto: ‘Through adversity to the stars’. These are words that will be forever relevant and encouraging.

As well as conveying the essence of the emblems of Silverlake and the RAF,  the sculpture demonstrates the Spitfire’s speed and agility, the circling bird trails also reflect the cyclical rhythm of nature at Silverlake. 

As with the Spitfire, a bird in flight is a symbol of freedom. To the Stars! recognises the graceful power of the fighter planes and birds – ducking and diving, swooping and surviving. The avian figures woven into the structure acknowledge the nightjars, sand martins and woodlarks sweeping the skies. They portray the birdsong and starling murmurations that are synonymous with this special site.

To the Stars! honours the connection between history and nature at Silverlake. In celebration of the 25 year anniversary of Habitat First Group, eagle eyed viewers will discover 25 secret stars nestled amongst the trails of the birds, waiting to be found…

Dimensions

H180cm x w138cm x d81cm – on an 80cm high steel plinth

Maquette:

H60cm x w46cm x d27cm – on a 15cm high bronze plinth