Pyramid
JOHN MAINE
Pyramid
The Pyramid is an abstract geometric artwork made up of stone pieces shaped like interlocking triangular prisms at various angles1. The sculpture was acquired in 1979. It was made with Portland Stone by John Maine and was installed in Ferry Meadow on the western side of Gunwade Lake in 19802.
John Maine has travelled extensively, and his travels, particularly to Mexico, have had a significant influence on his work, which explores landscapes, land formations, ancient locations, mathematical systems, and surface planes. The Pyramid is a significant landscape landmark that depicts the park’s history as a quarry, providing building materials for the modern city, and symbolises the hard work and labour that contributed to the city’s rapid rise3. The bumpy surface of the stone sculpture is created by hand, finishing it with a hammer and chisel; the marks also reflect the labour and signatures of the various stone masons involved in the artwork’s development.
John Maine has a number of well-known stone works in the United Kingdom, including one outside the National Theatre on London’s South Bank.
Below are images of the the installation process of the sculpture in Ferry Meadow Country Park. John Maine has provided the image for the public’s enjoyment. Please get in touch if you have further information on the sculpture Pyramid you would like to share. Thank you.
References:
1. Art UK (nd) Pyramid (online) Available at: https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/pyramid-300034 [Accessed 10 December 2021]
2. Nene Park (nd) Peterborough Sculpture Collection (online) Available at: https://www.nenepark.org.uk/peterborough-sculpture-collection?msclkid=54be506bcf7f11ecaa3220d20a8cdb02 [Accessed 10 November 2022]
3. Maine, J (nd) Joine Main RA (online) Available at: https://www.johnmaine.co.uk/cv-alt [Accessed 10 December 2021]
Images:
Figure 1: Fu, R (2021) Pyramid [image]
Figure 2: Google (2022) Google location map [image]
Figure 3: Maine, J (nd) Installation of Pyramid in Ferry Meadow Park [image]
Figure 4: Skeri, T (2021) A sculpture by John Maine called Pyramid with lake and recreation centre behind [image] Available at: https://stock.adobe.com/uk/images/ferry-meadows-peterborough-uk-july-17-2021-a-sculpture-by-john-maine-called-pyramid-with-lake-and-recreation-centre-behind/446666944 [Accessed 01 Dec 2022]
Figure 5: Skeri, T (2021) A sculpture by John Maine called Pyramid with path leading to it cut in long grass [image] Available at: https://stock.adobe.com/uk/images/ferry-meadows-peterborough-uk-july-17-2021-a-sculpture-by-john-maine-called-pyramid-with-path-leading-to-it-cut-in-long-grass/446666831 [Accessed 01 Dec 2022]