“Large-scale marine wildlife sculptures at Waitrose Chandler's Ford. Featuring a giant squid and spider crab integrated into the store's architecture.”
In 2002, the Chandler’s Ford Waitrose Supermarket commissioned a series of large-scale stainless steel installations that transform the store’s architectural boundaries into a celebration of marine biology.
This expansive project integrates wildlife sculptures directly into the building's functional elements, featuring life-sized marine life positioned across the store’s windows and balcony railings. By utilizing the reflective and durable properties of steel, the installations serve as both architectural ornamentation and an exploration of the complex forms found beneath the ocean's surface.
The commission includes several prominent species, each rendered with meticulous attention to their unique anatomical textures:
The Giant Squid: A dramatic, multi-sectional sculpture navigating the glass facade, featuring textured surfaces and elongated tentacles.
The Giant Shrimp: A highly detailed piece that showcases the segmented anatomy of the crustacean, with delicate, sweeping antennae and a textured exoskeleton. Its positioning on the balcony railings creates a dynamic sense of movement against the brick and glass.
The Spider Crab: Captured within the architectural ironwork, this piece captures the spindly, defensive posture of the crab, with its long, segmented legs and a heavily textured carapace.
Bespoke Railing Panels: The upper balcony features integrated panels containing silhouettes of various marine species, turning a standard safety feature into a continuous narrative of aquatic life.
