Wellfont (1999)

Wellfont (1999)

Flint, lime mortar, mirrored hemisphere, plaque

Wellfont explores belief, folklore, the heritage industry and the stories we tell ourselves while walking in ‘nature’. This sculpture was commissioned by by Tamsin Dillon and The Norbury Park Art and Landscape Project, Mole Gap Trail. It is located in Norbury Park in the Surrey Hills ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.

Although Wellfont was commissioned as a temporary project, it was built using traditional lime mortar and remains in situ over a decade later. Locals and and walkers continue to tread a path to see this unexpected and yet strangely familiar structure in the landscape. The plaque contains the following text:

‘Wellfont This octagonal well head was made from Surrey Diamonds (local flint) and lime mortar. Wellfont marks the journey of water on its endless, life-sustaining cycle. Travelling from ancient springs, lakes, rivers and great oceans on the earth’s surface to condense into a mass of vapour suspended overhead; then falling to the soil once again. Water lore and customs of water worship have developed over millennia. Many holy wells and sacred springs still survive throughout the British Isles.’

To visit Wellfont: There is no marking on a map but the work is sited close to the River Mole, a short walk from Box Hill and Westhumble railway station. Head towards Swanworth Farm. Wellfont can be found in the last small enclosed area on the foot path before Druids Grove.