Rutter and Bennett

Description

Of all the architectural sculptures that have been shown at the grounds in Goodwood this archway to the current collection is the most colourful. The predominantly pink, matt surface - enlivened here and there by details in relief, like so many decorative pins - absorbs the light so that it resonates against the green foliage or, in winter, the greys and browns of the trees bark. The sculpture is in full contrast with its surroundings: the synthetic candy colouring is diametrically opposed to the woodland's hues. But Chase Air sits comfortably here.

The structure, made specially for this location at the sculpture estate - although like all Goodwood's commissioned sculptures, it could work equally well elsewhere - marks the entrance to the major part of the collection. Stepping through the archway is like moving through a Japanese torri (gateway) to a Shinto shrine, which is composed of two uprights and two cross-members. In Chase Air, the uprights are of a scale and diameter to match the surrounding trees, and the main crosspiece is echoed by further structures on to which are threaded colourful balls. It is as though the sculpture has become alive, and is taking on the characteristics of a skilled juggler. The balls take our eye up and away from the solidity of the archway, and help the sculpture to blend playfully with its surroundings.

Making this sculpture has given Rutter and Bennett the experience of working on a scale that would not have been possible without the commission. Their smaller, studio works are made entirely by them, but the scale of this piece necessitated much of the work being carried out by the fabricator, working from a maquette. Rutter and Bennett were closely involved at every stage; they tested the scale regularly, by moving the sculpture from the workshop into the open air.