SEASONS GREETINGS!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR !

OLIVER RAISES THE BENCH-MARK

JUST HOT OUT OF THE STUDIO I CAN UNVEIL MY NEW GARDEN BENCH DESIGN.

CAST IN THREE PIECES THE SEAT DEPICTS A NUMBER OF MICROSCOPIC IMAGES  OR "SMALL WORLDS"

(MOSAIC INSERTS IN PEDESTAL CUT-OUTS)

TWO RHOMBOID PEDESTALS AND A "CAST-IN-REVERSE" MOSAIC SLAB SEAT THAT CONTAINS STEEL SUPPORTS WITHIN THE CASTING.

PERFECT FOR RELAXING ON WITH A GLASS OF WINE ON A LOVELY SUMMER DAY AND RETAILING AT £5,000 (PLUS VAT)

ANY DESIGN CAN BE INCORPORATED INTO THE BENCH, COMMEMORATIVE LETTERING ETC. SURFACE SMOOTH TO THE TOUCH.  STURDY, FROST-PROOF AND COLOUR-FAST.  A STUNNING WORK OF ART FOR PRIVATE GARDENS, CORPORATE COURTYARDS OR PUBLIC PARKS.

SIDCUP LIBRARY MOSAICS INSATALLED

Some years ago I created eight mosaic panels for 

Sidcup library in Kent.

Originally these were set into the pedestrian approach to the library as slabs in the ground but following an upgrade in the pedestrian areas we have retrieved, restored and re-sited the panels onto the exterior walls of the library.

The mosaics were originally designed around a collaboration of writers working with the public to determine specific words that describe the nature of books.  I really enjoyed the design process of conceiving a "graphic" for each of the words.

My brilliant metal worker, Rob Longley of Cranbrook Iron came up with some beautifully crafted retaining clamps in galvanised steel to hold the heavy panels in place and with the aid of my son Tom and some serious epoxy anchor systems we managed to get all eight panels installed today by 1.30pm

As Pete and Dud would say........

"I thought funny!!!"

CHARLES DICKENS CREATES BLOODHOUND

Oliver has been working with pupils at The Charles Dickens School in Broadstairs, Kent today and in just six hours a 6ft X 3ft mosaic was created.

An interactive full scale model of Bloodhound SSC, the contender for the land speed record, is in the school sports hall all this week for pupils to learn about the amazing science and engineering that goes into this incredible machine.  it is hoped that it will achieve speeds of over 1,000 mph.

Inspired by this great achievement of technology the students worked with Oliver and their brilliant art teacher Peter Saunders and created a design based around a birds-eye view, thermal image of the car as it flies across the African desert.  we also looked at the work of artists who have been inspired by speed, particularly the Futurists.

By 2.30 the mosaic was completed and to be honest we were all pretty pleased with ourselves!!  This work will be displayed in a prominent position in the school for visitors and pupils to enjoy and celebrate the duel achievements of science and art!   

TWO NEW WORKS INSTALLED

I've been travelling around over the last three weeks installing two new mosaics in Bath and Andover.

Firstly a mosaic entrance panel for Seasalt's new shop in Bath laid with the help of my friend Paul Bull

Here he is putting the finishing touches to it and a photo of me looking pleased (that it fits!)

A week later and I'm in Andover installing a mosaic for the Rotary club who sponsored this performance space in Vigo Park.

SEVENOAKS SCHOOL MOSAIC INSTALLED

Pupils at Sevenoaks school in Kent have been working on two large mosaic panels for a water feature in the centre of the historic school grounds.

It took the students six mosaic workshops with Oliver Budd to complete the work.  The lettering in Latin and Greek are the words of Saint John of Damascus in "The Fountain of Knowledge" and translate as "Streaming with Gold"

NEW WORKS IN STUDIO

THERE HAS BEEN LOTS GOING ON IN THE BUDD STUDIO THIS LAST MONTH

I am just about to install the first of two doorstep panels for the clothing company Seasalt who are opening new shops in Bath and Dorchester.

Here are some photos of the Bath panel just finished on the bench

 In between working on these a lovely colourful private commission;

  A pictorial "life" story birthday gift for my patrons friend.

(from 12 o'clock position, Swedish emblems, the London Eye, Thames and nephews and nieces initials, Hibiscus from Barbados, nurses buckle with birthdate, more Swedish symbols, Blueberries from her mothers garden, Barbados symbols, convertible morris minor, dogs past and present, London scooter, and finally a tranquil garden)

 I have just completed a series of workshops with pupils at Sevenoaks School.  It will form the colourful part of a water feature for the school grounds (photos below)

And the rather architectural moulds below are 5 of a total of 17 mosaic castings that will form the emblem of the Andover Rotary Club for a performance space in Vigo Park, Andover.

AND FINALLY MY NEW BOOK IS OUT TODAY!!

"MASTERS OF MOSAIC" published by Robert Hale

I hope to have a review to blog shortly

FEATURED MOSAICIST - PAUL BULL

PAUL BULL

As the publication of my latest book "Masters of Mosaic" approaches I thought it would be good to feature some of those masters on my blog.

I have known Paul as a very good friend and fellow master for several years now and our years of work in the field of mosaic are unique in that we are both second-generation mosaicists, something that is quite rare in England.

He has just completed this masterful rendition of a Porsche badge for a private client and I feature it here as a superb example of cutting and setting-out skills which along with his knowledge of mosaics for the interior and exterior domes are Pauls greatest skills.

"Masters of Mosaic" is published by Robert Hale and is due out on 31st March 2014 

ISBN 9780719806698