A SCULPTURE of Shakespeare’s Puck has been unveiled at Bell Court.
Created by artist Louisa Forbes, the lively sprite from A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be a permanent fixture at the Stratford shopping centre.
The bronze artwork is part of the £30million redevelopment of Bell Court that includes shops and restaurants, as well as a cinema, and a living green plant wall, and outdoor seating area.
Artist Louisa, said: “My inspiration came from the green wall that has been installed at Bell Court. For me, this was the perfect backdrop for Puck as it resembles the wood where the sprite got up to most of his mischief.”
Puck is located adjacent to the new Everyman cinema and what will be the Miller & Carter restaurant.
Louisa added: “You can imagine from how he’s sitting that Puck is gesturing towards the cinema saying “Tadaa!” while peeking out at people in the central courtyard, trying to entice them towards him.
“Perhaps it’s just my romantic side but wouldn’t it be lovely if that area of Bell Court became a romantic meeting place, just like the woods were in A Midsummer Night’s Dream?”
In addition to Puck, Louisa has sculpted five owls that are hidden in the green wall at Bell Court.
When complete, the aim is for Bell Court to also be used as a space to host live music, markets and other family-friendly activities.
Developers UK & European Investments, who own the lease to Bell Court, have also overseen the return of the historic 14th century market bell, which is now hanging in the timber frame at the High Street entrance. The bell was originally cast in 1320 and is believed to have hung in the old Stratford market where it sounded the start of trading to the town.
