Seed, 2024
Rachael Champion & Jonathan Trayte
495 x 500 x 500 cm
Mild steel, bronze, brick terrazzo
Curated by Futurecity
Commissioned by Lincoln MGT
Fabrication: Artists
Relief Modelling: James A. Matthews
Plinth: Creagh Concrete
Plasma Cutting: River Profiles
Structural Engineering: Price & Meyers
Installation: Mtec
Photography: Andy Stagg
Special thanks to the University of Reading, Natural History Museum London and Reading CAAC
Seed is a site-specific public sculpture inspired by the horticultural history of Sutton’s Seeds in 19th century Reading. When observed under magnification, seeds offer a mesmerising world of visually captivating forms which have inspired the artwork’s design. Seeds are powerful metaphors for potential, growth, and transformation which reflect the legacy of Reading.
The artwork consists of three bright orange steel plates, depicting the silhouette of a Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) seed. The sculpture is mounted onto a five-metre concrete cylindrical plinth which also functions as a seating area for visitors and residents to meet and relax. The plinth is made with a bespoke terrazzo containing a large portion of recycled brick. The inclusion of brick is an important reference to Reading’s renowned history in brick manufacturing and design. The terrazzo is also comprised of recycled glass, limestone and granite.
Photography: Studio Maple
The plinth is embellished with nine bronze reliefs depicting textures and surfaces of magnified seeds. The seeds were selected by Reading’s residents through a public engagement call out. The artists surveyed a range of communities throughout Reading to find out what plants and seeds are important to them via an online survey, building a picture of Reading represented through seeds. Participants were asked to suggest a seed to represent Reading as well as a seed to represent themselves. Food, plants, trees, medicine, gardening and cooking were topics suggested to conjure ideas.
There were a total 112 participants and among them 67 suggestions, many of which were humorous and poignant. A shortlist of seeds was determined with the University of Reading’s esteemed botanist Dr. Alastair Culham who is also a longtime Reading local. The seeds were chosen based on their historical, contextual and cultural relevance to Reading, as well as seeds that were most favoured by residents.
Photography: Artists & Adrian Lambert
Achocha
Cyclanthera pedata, also known as Achocha, caigua, bande karela or kankro in Nepal, is a hardy vine in the cucumber family that is grown in Nepal for its delicious edible fruit. It can be found growing in Reading in large hedge-like formations, cultivated by the area’s vibrant Nepalese community. This humble plant has thus become a bridge between generations and cultures, representing both heritage and home for the Nepalese people in Reading.
English Oak
Quercus robur, English or pedunculate Oaks are known for their long lifespan and durability, with broad, sturdy branches and rough bark that support diverse ecosystems. This iconic tree has a significant presence in the Greater Reading area, where numerous ancient and celebrated oaks stand as living monuments to the region's natural heritage.
Sunflower
Helianthus annuus, sunflowers, known for their striking, cheerful presence, are celebrated for their towering, sun-seeking blooms and vibrant yellow petals. Sunflowers have become symbols of joy, positivity, and resilience. They were chosen as emblems not only for the happiness they bring in full bloom but also for their versatile uses and benefits.
Wheat
Triticum aestivum, is a versatile grain and one of the world’s most important staple crops, primarily grown for its edible seeds. Wheat was selected to represent Reading’s rich history in biscuit making, due to Huntley & Palmers. Known as the "Biscuit Town," Reading became globally renowned for its high-quality biscuits, and by the late 19th century, Huntley & Palmers was the world’s largest biscuit manufacturer. Wheat straw is used for traditional thatch seen on cottages around the Reading area.
Hops
Hops are the cone-shaped flowers of the climbing vine, Humulus lupulus. Hops were selected because they are a key ingredient in brewing beer and therefor a nod to Reading’s significant beer making history. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Reading became known for its numerous breweries, including Simonds Brewery, which was established in 1785 and became one of the largest breweries in southern England.
Cocoa
Cocoa, derived from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree, is the primary ingredient in chocolate. Reading plays a crucial role in the cocoa industry, maintaining the health of global cocoa crops through its unique Cocoa Quarantine Centre. Established in the 1940s at the University of Reading, this facility helps protect the cocoa industry by quarantining and assessing cocoa plants for pests and diseases before they are distributed worldwide.
Butterfly Bush
Buddleja davidii, a strong and persistent deciduous shrub, was chosen because it is synonymous with Reading's water ways and railway lines. The plant spreads extensively due to the plant’s lightweight seeds that are easily dispersed by wind into the disturbed, gravelly soil found along tracks and embankments. Buddleja is well known for its long, cone-shaped clusters of fragrant flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Its invasive nature and ability to grow from walls of old buildings mean it is not universally popular.
Nettle
Urtica dioica, the common nettle, is a hardy perennial known for its jagged, serrated leaves and tiny stinging hairs. Although often overlooked, nettles are incredibly valuable, providing rich nutrients, medicinal properties, and habitat support for various insects and wildlife. This plant was selected as a symbol for Reading because it captures the sentiment: nettle, much like Reading itself, is "full of importance but understated and not appreciated by everyone."
Pink Lily Leek
Allium oreophilum, a beautiful ornamental onion from the Caucasus with striking pinkish-red flowers, can be tricky to grow and was chosen as a symbol of Reading’s esteemed history in flower bulb cultivation. This vibrant, low-growing allium, often referred to as the "Pink Lily Leek," represents the town’s deep-rooted expertise in horticulture. Sutton Seeds, established in Reading in 1806, played a pivotal role in cultivating this legacy.