Wonder
The rhythm of life.
Wonder is a magical and mesmerising moving sculpture, which emanates peace and shows the interconnected nature of things, conjuring a unifying feeling in all who experience its uplifting and gently flowing presence.
Wonder was first installed for few months in Saint Aldhelm’s Medieval Chapel at Malmesbury Abbey, opposite the resting place of Athelstan, first King of England where it has been enjoyed by thousands of visitors in person and tens of millions of viewers online.
“Enigmatic, mysterious and beautiful.
Tom’s incredible creation echoes DNA and has the essence of infinity & eternity.
The medieval chapel at Malmesbury Abbey seems the most befitting place for Wonder to find its first ever home. Here in the heart of our town for the marvel and enjoyment of us all.”
Reverend Oliver Ross, Malmesbury Abbey
A large-scale Wonder now stands permanently in Malmesbury Abbey, owned by the community and on public display for the enjoyment of all. The original sculpture sits in the sanctuary at Brimscombe Mill nr Stroud where it is enjoyed by visitors to The Long Table.
A trip to Jerusalem
Wonder has been invited on an adventure to Bethlehem to be installed for public display at the Palestine Museum of Natural History by founder and Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Professor Mazim Qumsiyeh.
Mazim and I became acquainted in October 2023 just as chaos engulfed the region. We were connected by my creation Wonder and a mutual desire for peace and the education of children in Natural Sciences.
A secondary site has also been identified by Dr Anis Daraghma as the Church of the Nativity. This is being researched now in order to facilitate such an installation — on a more temporary basis (we are looking at a long term loan of 12 months) — with all stakeholders working to facilitate such a special project. In addition to these principal locations, the Palestine Peace Centre has also been identified as a willing and suitable location for Wonder.
My intention is to carefully curate two installations in the city and to document the adventure in film to inspire the public with a true and noble story of our time.
Help!
It would be impossible to undertake such a project on my own and unsupported, so I am outlining the project and making this statement of intent in order to encourage and invite sponsorship of both the installation and films, which can be scaled depending on the level of funds raised.
We may consider a crowdfunding campaign to support the film and raise additional funds beyond our essential project costs, which include:
· Acquisition and preparation of the sculptures — it’s possible to move the existing sculptures but ideally we would prepare a unique piece using a big wonder saved from the liquidation of Uplifting Products. £5K
· Structural packaging for shipment — wooden crates for international travel. £2K
· Installation materials — spare parts, black 3.0 paint and tools. £2K
· Essential and competent film crew — director/camera man and editor. £12K
· Travel costs — international flights and internal travel. £3K
· Accommodation — minimal hotel nights (although due to our newly kindled friendships the project will be largely hosted on location, giving us access to the sites in an authentic and sympathetic way). £3K
· Stipend for artist. £3K
Target funding £30,000 GBP
Objective
To inspire peace and unity.
The project will use two of several key Wonder pieces which have already been fabricated but require special preparation and packaging for safe transport and installation.
The project is presently supported by the goodwill and endorsement of our community friends at The Long Table and Malmesbury Abbey where Wonder is already on public display for everyone to freely enjoy.
Existing friends of Wonder include some extraordinary people and make up an unofficial round table of magical souls including; Dr Iain McGilchrist, Coldplay and Chris Ramsay.
How to get involved?
Please contact wonder@tomlawton.com for more information on how to support this initiative and join me as the story unfolds.
