April 2008

A three metre diameter floor mosaic in porcelain / unglazed ceramic part of a major refurbishment of Valentines Park in Ilford, Essex. The mosaic was commissioned by Redbridge Council for Bishops Walk, as a focal point for the Parks refurbishment. 

Speaking about the completed mosaic Nigel Burch, Redbridge Council Project Director said "I was impressed with the care shown on site and the finished product. I am happy to say it has already been much admired."

The mosaic represents elements from the Parks history.

In the top panel an ‘East Indiaman’ ship is depicted representing one of the most notable owners Sir Charles Raymond who made his fortune as a Captain with the East India Company. In the lower circle a bishops mitre represents Thomas Ken (d.1711), the nonjuring Bishop of Bath and Wells who is said to have stayed at Valentines with the Finch family during their ownership of the manor house.

In the arch across the centre a band of seashells represents the garden developments by Robert Surman (former Deputy Cashier of the South Sea Company) when he moved to Valentines Manor from Wanstead in 1724. The Canal, Bishops Walk and planned Wilderness, and the ha-ha and shell grottoes are all features of Surman's making.

Behind all these can be seen the grape vine. Valentines was noted for its huge and prolific Black Hamburgh vine ‘Valentines Vine’ planted by Charles Raymond in 1758. The former position is noted by a tablet. This vine provided a cutting which was to become the famous ‘Great Vine’ at Hampton Court.

8. Installation completed

8. Detail - installed

7. Installation

6. Construction complete

6. Construction nears completion

6. Construction underway

5. The first tiles are laid

4. The full size cartoon is prepared in the studio

3. Final amended design approved

2. First stage design

1. Preliminary Sketch Ideas