Dan Savage - Glass Artist

The University of York have recently upgraded their central spine, which includes inside and outside walkways. One section of the walkway includes the internal corridor of Langwith College which has one of the best views of the University’s landscaped grounds and lake. Dan was approached by the Provost of Langwith College, to create an artwork to represent the identity of the College. Through consultation sessions with current students as well as the SCR, Dan drew on a number of sources to create an artwork that truly embraces the unique identity of the College. Dan designed the glazing system in long vertical strips to open up the space and create an uncluttered canvas. As the view from the corridor is important to the people of Langwith, he decided to leave some of the vertical panels as plain glass.

The concept of bringing the outside natural environment inside, was developed to further embed the college in its surroundings. The lake, the willows, the flora and fauna are all represented in the artwork. In the early afternoon, the sun projects the golden images on to the opposite corridor wall embracing the whole space. As Langwith College houses the English department, the use of the printed feathers is also a reference to quills and early scholarly writing. A quote from Shakespeare’s Richard III, which focuses on the War of the Roses is intertwined with a plan of the College’s buildings. The College’s giant chess board features and a group of students chatting reinforces its reputation as a very social college.

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Statement about 'Outside-In'
Langwith College, University of York
Client: University of York, North Yorkshire
Pictures: 1 2 3 4 5 Statement