The Journey
A unique integration of artwork and architecture runs throughout Capital Banks Centre of Training Excellence in Chester. The artworks express the idea of the journey we, as individuals, take at various stages of our lives, from Apprentice to Journeyman and hopefully on to Craftsmen.
The ‘Foundation Stone’ at the buildings threshold reflects Capital Banks heritage and includes the company logo and details of the first managing director and the founding date. The stainless steel is lit by fibre optic lights and set into locally quarried sandstone paving.
At the entrance to the building a 2m stainless steel and glass ‘welcoming medal’ entitled ‘The Apprentices’ hangs above the ‘foundation stone’. The design incorporates four figures that represent the four founding principles of Capital Bank, ‘Vision’, ‘Challenge’, ‘Focus’ and ‘Achievement’ The four figures are interlocked with missing jigsaw pieces.
Within the reception area is set a decorative 2m. floor medal, produced from stainless steel and glass. The design contains the missing jigsaw pieces from ‘The Apprentice’, suggesting to the visitor the experience of things to come. The artwork is illuminated from beneath.
Flying tranquil above are, ‘The Journeymen’ - two suspended stainless steel and glass figures, that beckon the visitors onwards, to further discoveries and greater achievement. The manufacture process puts a contemporary twist on the traditional ‘stained glass’ process, replacing lead with laser-cut stainless steel.
Rows of suspended coloured glass beams fill the Training Centre atrium ablaze with light. The glass beams act as a colour filter for natural light in this spacious social area and have a highly coloured design, the outline of which is also interpreted at floor level, woven into the carpet. The design further emphasises the journey of discovery, that climaxes in a burst of colour and light, a moment of epiphany or enlightenment.
The Journeys end is marked outside at the opposite entrance where the two 6m ‘Master Craftsman’ bronzes hang. These beautiful, inspiring sculptures celebrate the sense of achievement and growth reached through the many small steps along the journey and are illuminated with fibre optic lights and gold leaf .
The building was officially opened on 1st December 1997 by Helen Sharman OBE.
