Body, Mind and Spirit

STEPHEN BROADBENT

Body, Mind and Spirit

Body, Mind & Spirit by Stephen Broadbent is placed outside the main entrance of Peterborough City Hospital, Bretton Gate, PE3 9GZ. It was created in 2002 with Corten steel, steel and glass. It was originally created for the Methodist Publishing House headquarters in Peterborough and was known as the Word. The symbolism effectively and pertinently expresses the House’s ministry and mission. In order to prepare the ground for sowing seeds, “The Word” shows a plough blade at ground level. The shape of the plough is similar to an open book¹.

The sculpture was given new meaning when it was re-sited at the entrance of the new City Hospital in 2011. The sculpture’s dynamic design not only directs people, but it also provides a crucial social place for patients, visitors, and staff to pause. The sculpture’s towering ‘stems’ stretch 16 metres above ground level, and at the base, a plough blade-like shape appears to tear up the ground, as if preparing it for seed sowing. The plough shape also resembles an open book, symbolising knowledge exchange. The themes depict the care offered to people in the hospital, as well as the necessity of feeding not just the body, but also the mind and spirit of others².

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