25 Years of the Millennium Wall

In March 1999, a feasibility study was undertaken to explore the idea of a project involving local schools, to create a piece of public art to mark the millennium. In the study documentation, the planned art piece was described as being ‘on a scale, and in a way, not often attempted’.

The uniqueness of the project was to lie in the creative involvement of nearly 4000 children, representing the towns primary and secondary schools, to decorate a 50-metre-long wall. It was planned for the wall to run along the National Cycle Route, in green space between Avenue Le Fleche and the River Avon.

With the support of Jack Konynenburg, Principal Architect at North Wiltshire District Council, funding was agreed and local potter, Christopher White, took on the coordination of the project.

Each school were assigned a theme and, supported by a local artist, students all under the age of 12, produced a tile which was fixed to the structure of the wall.

Tiles ready for placement on the wall. Image from Chippenham Museum collection.

Each tile featured a miniature low relief sculpture, made by impressing or engraving a design.

As well as creating an attractive piece of public art, the project aimed to engage the young people, through the themes for the tiles, with their cultural heritage and develop a sense of local pride. Themes included transport, buildings, industry, cultures, people and environment.

The structure itself was designed by 6th form students from Hardenhuish School. While a scheme to link the whole assembly using a single blue line to represent the river, was designed in detail by Hardenhuish student Alister Hadnett as part of his A level Design Technology course.

Image shows Christopher White adding the finishing touches to the tiles on the Millennium Wall. Image from Chippenham Museum collection.

After over a year of planning and hard work the Millennium Wall was completed and officially opened by HRH the Duchess of Gloucester on 3 October 2000.

The Duchess unveiled a plaque in front of those who had been instrumental in ensuring the project was a success along with many of the young people who had contributed artwork to the overall design.

HRH Duchess of Gloucester unveiling the plaque. Image from Chippenham Museum collection.

Illustrated map of wall location and themes. Image from Chippenham Museum collection.