We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of a major work by critically-acclaimed Devon-based artist Peter Randall-Page.
The sculpture, entitled Wing, embodies the delicate and intricately patterned structure of an insect’s wings on a monumental scale. Consisting of 662 ceramic tiles, it was created in 2009 and has now been installed in the courtyard.
Peter Randall-Page said,
“I often draw upon forms found in nature as my inspiration. Geometry is the theme on which nature plays her infinite variations, and can be seen as a kind of pattern book on which the most complex and sophisticated structures are based.
“It is very fitting that Wing is now on show in the museum as the subject of this work is reminiscent of RAMM’s insect specimens, while the ceramic tiles used to make the sculpture are evocative of archaeological fragments that can also be found in the museum’s collection.”
The contemporary art work, which measures 1.5 by 6.8 metres, complements the Devon sandstone of the café wall in RAMM’s internal courtyard. This wall denotes the end of the original museum building which was opened to the public in 1868.
Councillor Amal Ghusain, Exeter City Council’s lead for communities and culture said,
“We are delighted to have been able to acquire Wing for the city. Peter has sculptures in collections across the UK and the world; his work is represented in the British Museum and the Tate Gallery, so this is a wonderful addition to the RAMM collection.
“We are very grateful to the Arts Council England/ V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the museum’s two supporting charities, the RAMM Development Trust and the Friends of RAMM. Without their generosity we would not have been able to acquire this work for the people of Exeter and Devon.”