A ONCE blank space at Redditch’s Kingfisher centre has been transformed into a bold new piece of public art celebrating the town’s heritage, culture and natural environment.
The piece, titled Machine Dreams and Sun Beams, has been delivered through a partnership between Midlands Mosaics, led by Dr Niall Gallen and Dr Dorothy Butchard of the University of Birmingham, Reimagine Redditch, Arts in Redditch and the Kingfisher.
Located on the upper level near Vue Cinema and Car Park 1, the new installation forms part of the Midlands Mosaics project and will reimagine Kingfisher’s iconic Sir Eduardo Paolozzi mosaics in Milward Square, creating a vibrant new cultural landmark for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come.
The commission was awarded to artist Alec Saunders following a competitive selection process, with a number of proposals assessed against a detailed brief.
Artists were challenged to ‘reimagine’ Redditch through a contemporary lens, drawing inspiration from the town’s history, people, wildlife, flora, and fauna, while responding to the significance of Paolozzi’s celebrated mosaics and the distinctive Redditch Colour Palette.
Alec said: “I’m genuinely honoured to have been selected for this project, as it gave me the chance to explore Redditch in a really personal and unexpected way.
“As a fan of Paolozzi’s vibrant work, it has been exciting to bring together such a quirky and eclectic mix of subjects, from industry and machinery to wildlife, culture, colour and his lasting legacy, and turn them into something bold, joyful and contemporary for the town.”
The partnership’s commission forms part of a wider programme exploring the role of public art, cultural heritage, and community identity across the Midlands.
The project also celebrates the enduring legacy of renowned artist Paolozzi, whose iconic mosaics remain an important part of Redditch’s cultural landscape.
Fiona Faizey, the Kingfisher Shopping Centre’s general manager, said: “The artwork not only pays tribute to Sir Eduardo Paolozzi’s iconic mosaics but also reflects the people, places and stories that make Redditch unique today.
“We hope visitors and residents alike will enjoy the installation and feel a sense of pride in seeing our town’s culture and character showcased in such a bold and contemporary way.”
Dr Butchard and Dr Gallen said: “The Midlands Mosaics project aims to make Eduardo Paolozzi’s amazing mosaics more visible and accessible for people living in and visiting Redditch.
“In our community events, many people have suggested a new artwork inspired by the mosaics.
“We’re delighted this mural celebrates Redditch for the 21st century and shares the vivid themes and colours of Paolozzi’s artwork.”
Richard Bromhall, Reimagine Redditch’s programme director, said: “Over the last two years, people have talked to us about the ideas that matter to them during a range of creative activities, so to see this new piece of art, which honours both their ideas and Sir Eduardo Paolozzi’s original mosaics, wonderfully joins together local heritage with the people living and working in Redditch today.”
