JULY 2005

Bedford discovers it’s ancient roots with a modern artwork

Saturday 23rd July 2005 saw the official opening of the restoration work at Bedford Castle Mound.

The Bedford Castle Mound is a scheduled ancient monument of national importance and the new works aim to restore the site as a key visitor attraction in the town. The works include groundwork, interpretation panels and path plaques.

The focal piece for this restoration has been the commissioning of a large floor mosaic feature. Bedford Borough Council commissioned award winning British mosaic artist Gary Drostle to undertake the work exactly a year ago. Following careful historical research and community consultation Gary’s design for a large black and white mosaic was agreed and the careful task of cutting and hand placing the thousands of ceramic tiles began in Gary’s London studio.

The mosaics design features the medieval street plan of Bedford with illustrations of some of the important events such as the digging of the ‘Kings Ditch’ southern boundary by Edward The Elder and the Castle siege of 1224. This is surrounded by the Saxon design of two intertwined dragons inspired by a Saxon broach in the Bedford Museum.

Speaking after completing the final installation of the mosaic this week Gary said “I am very excited with the positive response from members of the public while I have been here installing the artwork. Local people have shown a real enthusiasm for the mosaic and welcome the creation of a new and beautiful landmark for the town.

The mosaic can be seen in the public park in front of the earthworks for the castle mound on The Embankment in Bedford.

TOP: view with Castle mound behind

BELOW: The Viking attack of 1009 AD