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The Cadzow Cow
1996.
This was part of a scheme to renovate the Cadzow Glen Park in the
centre of Hamilton, Scotland.
The
mosaic is circular, with a diameter of four metres, and is situated
under three cherry trees; in May drifts of fallen petals adorn the
mosaic to charming effect. The brief of the project required it
to relate in some way to the rejuvenation of the local natural environment.
During my research, I came across the perfect symbol: the mosaic
features a white Cadzow Cow. The wild white Cadzow Cattle are a
rare breed, much featured in local historical legend, and recently
a herd has been built up and preserved nearby. The mosaic has three
colours: white limestone, black marble, and green Westmorland slate.
It can be viewed from above, from a high bridge that passes nearby.
We made the mosaic in sections in the studio, which meant we could
install it on the foundation quickly and minimise the period of
time during which the mosaic was vulnerable.

The
project was commissioned by ‘Hamilton Ahead’
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