Laura Ellen Bacon and Rachel Carter

'Linking Forms' - original sculpture designed by University of Derby graduates

The outdoor sculpture by Laura Ellen Bacon and Rachel Carter named 'Linking Forms' is set in the front lawn of the University of Derby's Kedleston Road site.

The contemporary sculpture, designed and created in willow and steel by the Derby graduates, will inspire both new and existing students alike.

What does the sculpture mean?

The design concept echoes the University logo of three hills and is made up of:

• Three red powder coated metal structures, which in total are 3.6 metres long, two metres high and represent the solid foundations of the University. Ilkeston based HTF Stainless Steel Fabrications created and installed the steel structures. Derby based AH Allen supplied the steel and Ilkeston based company, Goldbury Coatings, powder coated the steel. The result of sourcing raw materials from nearby suppliers has put approximately £4,500 back in to the local economy.
• 500 pieces of six feet long sustainably sourced, willow strands, threaded through the holes in the metal structures, which represents the flow of students and graduates through the University.

The artists - our talented graduates

Laura Ellen Bacon

Artist works primarily with willow and other coppiced materials, to create magnificent sculptural pieces inspired by nest-like forms. Laura graduated from the BA (Hons) Applied Arts course at the University of Derby in 2001.

Since then she has won awards from Jerwood Contemporary Makers and The Craft Council and has exhibited nationwide including Somerset House, London. Laura created Woven Space in Chatsworth Gardens in 2009, at the invitation of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and the Chatsworth House Trust. The Duke is the Chancellor of the University of Derby.

Rachel Carter

Designs and creates sculptural pieces for garden or landscape settings, using mild steel and willow. A graduate from the University of Derby's 3D Sustainable Design and Practice course (now BA (Hons) Applied Art and Design).

Rachel has a studio/workshop in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, with five other designer/makers, together, they make up the collective group 'Shed 2 Studios'. Alongside her commissioned work, she carries out community based work as a visiting artist, teaching and demonstrating a variety of workshops encouraging the use of a sustainable practice.

She has also exhibited at RHS Chelsea Flower Show with her 'Green Garden' project.