This sculpture is located near the front entrance to
Shaw Ridge Primary School in West Swindon. It was commissioned when another local school closed – Salt Way Primary – and their pupils joined with Shaw Ridge. It was created by Gordon Dickinson (working with children from both schools) who has been involved in various other projects around the town and further afield, and is part of the No Added Sugar organisation. The result of these efforts is reflected in the name - the ‘Confluence’ of the two schools now flowing together.
The side panels were originally painted red – the colour of the Salt Way’s uniform; the dark blue on top taken from the Shaw Ridge’s uniform. When the side panels deteriorated and needed work done to it, it was replaced with the teal colour we can see now.
The Swindon Link magazine has further pictures and details as part of a series showing pieces of West Swindon art and shows the sculpture when it was first installed in its original colours and position (it was moved in 2009). Click the link to see the
article.
