‘Votes For Women’ Art Centrepiece Chosen

How the artwork will look

A new piece of art to celebrate 100 years since women were given the right to vote will be made by an artist from Medbourne.

Derek Hunt has been chosen for the honour after more than 600 people voted on which of three proposed designs they preferred.

The large wall mounted artwork will get pride of place in Harborough Council’s Symington Building once it is completed later this year, to mark the centenary of Women’s Suffrage.

Mr Hunt said: “I’m absolutely thrilled. It’s a real honour to be commissioned in The Symington Building and wonderful to be part of the story of this iconic building.”

The public were invited to nominate their favourite proposal online – as well as view an exhibition of the shortlisted artists’ proposals at The Symington Building.

Leader of the Council Neil Bannister said: “Whilst all three proposals were highly inventive, the panel were particularly impressed by Derek’s use of colour and light and the way it would fit with the existing art in The Symington Building.  I’d like to thank the public for their input and I am looking forward to seeing the final piece unveiled in December.”

This artwork will form part of a number of Harborough District Council projects this year commemorating the centenary of the 1918 Representation of the People Act which, for the first time, gave women the right to vote, and the centenary of the end of World War One.

The public are now invited to submit information about any local women who may have been involved in the Suffragette movement at the time which could be incorporated into the artwork.  Email suggestions to communications@harborough.gov.uk