People Play

The Piece Hall, Halifax, 2020

People Play was a major public sculpture commission for The Piece Hall, Halifax, transforming the iconic eighteenth-century courtyard into a vibrant landscape of colour, movement and interaction.

Comprising a family of large-scale sculptures, the installation explored the universal language of play as a way of bringing people together. Drawing on my ongoing interest in childhood, memory and social connection, the work encouraged visitors to weave between the sculptures, creating moments of discovery, conversation and shared experience. The playful forms blurred the boundaries between abstraction and the figure, inviting audiences of all ages to interpret the characters in their own way.

Developed from my printmaking practice, People Play translated bold graphic shapes into three-dimensional forms, continuing my exploration of how colour, scale and composition can transform public space. Installed within the historic architecture of The Piece Hall, the sculptures created a dialogue between contemporary art and heritage, encouraging visitors to experience the courtyard through movement, curiosity and play.

The exhibition received widespread critical attention and was featured by Creative Tourist, Art Verge and CultureDale, recognising People Play as a significant public artwork that celebrated creativity, accessibility and community engagement.

With thanks to The Piece Hall, Arts Council England, Yorkshire Sculpture Park.