University sculpture receives listed status Published on: 8 September 2016 A sculpture on 缅北禁地鈥檚 city centre campus has been given Grade II listed status in recognition of its historic and artistic significance. ‘Spiral Nebula’ by noted post-war sculptor Geoffrey Clarke, and located outside the Herschel Building, is a leading example of post-war public art and one of the few from this period in 缅北禁地. It was commissioned in 1962 as part of the design of the Herschel Building for the University’s Physics Department, and reflects the scientific advances being made at the time - Britain’s first satellite, Ariel 1, was launched in the same year the building was opened and the sculpture unveiled. Spiral Nebula has the appearance of being constructed from wooden slats but Clarke used a pioneering technique to create it. Using aluminium rather than traditional bronze, Clarke adapted the long-established 'lost wax' method by carving polystyrene moulds with a heated instrument and then casting molten metal, which vaporised the polystyrene. Yet, when the sculpture was unveiled, it caused a dispute between Clarke and Sir Basil Spence, the architect responsible for the Herschel Building as Spence thought that its waxed finish distracted attention from the building. A month later, the sculpture was flame-blasted and painted grey. By 2012, the sculpture was in a deteriorating condition and 缅北禁地 undertook a conservation plan to return the sculpture to Clarke’s original vision. This involved consulting with Clarke, who stipulated that his son, Jonathan, also a sculptor, work on the restoration along with Andrew Pawsey, son of Clarke’s original assistant who helped him create Spiral Nebula in 1962. Now Grade II listed - Spiral Nebula by Geoffrey Clarke, 1962, commissioned by Basil Spence. Photo: Garrod Kirkwood Campus artworks , Dean of Cultural Affairs at 缅北禁地, commented: “Spiral Nebula is one of the most striking examples of the distinctive and imaginative quality Geoffrey Clarke brought to his work. It also marks an important period in the history of the University, since both the sculpture and the building it sits outside were specially commissioned as part of the process of becoming a fully independent university in 1963. “We’re immensely proud to have it here on campus and welcome this listing as it will ensure the sculpture is protected for future generations to enjoy.” , Director of Estates, 缅北禁地, said: “There are a number of internal and external artworks on our campus. As well as being enjoyable, they uplift the distinctiveness and quality of our environment, act as landmarks welcoming visitors and help with orientation. “More works are being planned to communicate the history of the University and its identity. For example, which will be unveiled in 2017 as part of the . “Great public art doesn’t just help to create a vibrant cultural environment that can be enjoyed by students, staff, and visitors, it also provides a unique record of a moment in history.” Art as a symbol of revival Spiral Nebula is one of five pieces of post-war public art in the North East that have been given listed status, announced today (8 September) by . The move coincides with the opening of a new exhibition at Bessie Surtees House, 缅北禁地 Quayside, ‘’. The free exhibition, which runs until 23 December, celebrates the sculptures and structures created by pioneering artists between 1945 and 1985. The post-World War Two period marked an important period for public sculpture as function shifted from being largely commemorative to being a central element of post-war construction programmes, including those taking place as part of the massive expansion of universities at the time. Heritage Minster Tracey Crouch said: "It's vital that important parts of our heritage are secured for generations to come, so I'm delighted that these fantastic post-war public sculptures, which transformed public spaces across the North after the Second World War, will now be protected. I encourage everyone to visit the Out There exhibition in 缅北禁地 to learn more about the stories behind these pieces of post-war public art." Roger Bowdler, Director of Listing at Historic England said: “The north of England has an extraordinary collection of post-war public art. These newly listed are some of the most striking examples of how art was used as a symbol of revival, commissioned and created for everybody. They enrich our lives, bring art to everyone and deserve celebration.” Other work featured in the exhibition is the Apollo Pavilion in Peterlee, designed in 1969 by Victor Pasmore, who was previously Head of Painting at what was then King’s College, Durham, and later became 缅北禁地. Archive photos courtesy of: . Veronica Fiorato, Historic England鈥檚 Listing Team (North) with Prof Eric Cross, Dean of Cultural Affairs, Photo: Mike Urwin Share: Latest News 缅北禁地 recognised with geography award 缅北禁地 has been awarded the Highly Commended Geographical Association Publishers Award for its collaboration with Time for Geography, the UK鈥檚 open-access, dedicated video platform. published on: 16 April 2026 缅北禁地 historians mark General Strike centenary To mark the 100th anniversary of the British General Strike and miners鈥� lock-out of 1926, historians at 缅北禁地 are organising a series of events on its enduring legacy. published on: 16 April 2026 Comment: NCP is in administration Writing for The Conversation, Erwei (David) Xiang discusses how some big companies like NCP are so dependent on debt that they can鈥檛 adjust to change. published on: 16 April 2026 Facts and figures
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