Public Art Commissions

The art commissions for the Royal Pump Rooms follow a long tradition of employing artists to produce works of art to enhance public spaces. Early examples within Warwick district include memorials to those who died in the wars in the 20th century and to Dr Jephson.

The Heritage and Arts Section of Warwick District Council has continued this practice by commissioning a number of contemporary artists to design and make unique pieces for the Royal Pump Rooms. The high quality of their work complements and enhances the collections and environment of the Art Gallery and Museum as well as reflecting the history of the Royal Pump Rooms. 

It is also hoped that these commissions will help to establish the Royal Pump Rooms as a regional centre for the visual arts and encourage visitors to take an interest in the work of contemporary artists and designers and the issues surrounding public works of art. 

Most of the artists/makers were selected by limited competition using a panel of experts to shortlist and select appropriate makers in line with best practice. 

	Well, One Thousand Lights a commission by David Ward took place in Autumn 1997 and organized by PACA on behalf of WMA and supported by Warwick District Council.
	Spring Celebration - A water feature by David Jacobson was commissioned in 1999 for the entrance foyer of the Royal Pump Rooms.  It commemorates the spa and is inscribed with coded references to its history.
	Spa water fountain by Celia Kilner. In 2000 Warwick District Council commissioned a water feature outside the Royal Pump Rooms to provide free spa water.
	Rejuvenation  An Automata Donations Box by Keith Newstead.   Rejuvenation was commissioned by the Art Gallery with funding from West Midlands Arts in 1999.   It demonstrates, in Newstead's quirky and amusing way, the benefits of bathing in spa water.
	Reception Desk and Gallery Furniture by Angus Ross.  In 1998 the Gallery commissioned Angus Ross to make a suite of site specific furniture for the Art Gallery & Museum.   Its design takes its inspiration from the Gallery's former use as a swimming pool.