Following an invited competition, artist Alison Wilding was selected to create new site-specific work for the Lumen United Reformed Church, part of an award-winning scheme for rebuilding the church by Theis and Khan Architects. Wilding has created a trio of objects: a new font, a drinking fountain and a garden fountain. Fundamental to each of the works are the themes of ‘living water’ and light. The artwork for the building also reflects the United Reformed Church’s tradition of open, inclusive and accessible worship. As the church will be used for Christian services as well as a variety of community activities, the commissions embody these values, being universal and accessible in both their design and imagery.
In 2009 the artworks for the Lumen United Reformed Church by Rona Smith and Alison Wilding were nominated for an Art and Christianity Enquiry award for art in a religious context, and short-listed for the ACE/RIBA Award for Religious Architecture. The redevelopment of the church won the 2009 RIBA London Award.
