Study Visit 5: Luton Henge by Matthew Rosier

Study Visit 5: Luton Henge by Matthew Rosier

Date: Wednesday 3rd September

Time: 11am - 3pm

Location: LU3 2SR - exact meeting point will be sent to you before the event.

Study Visit 5: Luton Henge by Matthew Rosier at the Chilterns National Landscape, produced by Revoluton Arts

Luton Henge is a new permanent artwork by award-winning artist Matthew Rosier, created for the Chilterns National Landscape to celebrate local heritage and bring communities together.

Inspired by the ancient earthwork Waulud’s Bank, the sculpture was designed in collaboration with Luton residents using local natural materials. The artwork will feature eight standing stones made from Totternhoe chalk, oriented toward key seasonal, local and global landmarks. At its centre is a five-metre chalk circle offering a welcoming setting for community events, informal gatherings and moments of reflection.

The Henge – standing at the site of a former BMX track – will be transformed into a vibrant chalk grassland meadow, planted with native wildflowers, grasses and shrubs in partnership with a range of local groups and volunteers. A new accessible chalk path will lead from the nearby Marsh House community centre to the site, while ten wooden benches – crafted from local timber – will be placed along the perimeter, offering places to rest and take in the surroundings.

Revoluton Arts is the Producing Partner for the Chilterns National Landscape, responsible for project managing the engagement activities and facilitating audience interaction with the site. Through walks, workshops and consultations, accompanied by the commissioned Nature Calling writer Lee Nelson, the project has grown with the support of the Luton Henge Collective – a local group who will help care for the site, keeping it active and inclusive for years to come.

The project has been co-commissioned by Chilterns National Landscape, National Landscape Association and Activate Performing Arts. It is being produced by Revoluton Arts with the National Landscape team.

The day will include meeting the artists, experiencing the artwork and hearing from the commissioners and producers about their objectives for the project – which audience they are hoping to reach and who has been participating with the artists and writer.

Time will be spent in an outdoor location and indoor, so please be prepared to dress for the weather. The day will be made fully accessible. If you have any access needs, please let us know when signing up.

With thanks to the following funders: Chilterns National Landscape, Arts Council England National Lottery, DEFRA.

Image credit: Matthew Rosier