'Loughborough Refocus' digital photographic collage, 2009

A public piece of work commissioned by Astra Zeneca celebrating 40 years of pharmaceutical research at their site in Loughborouh. The aim of the piece was to create a re-

configured version of the town, which captured the spirit of Loughborough.

In 2008 AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood celebrated 40 years of pharmaceutical research at its site in Loughborough.    To mark this event, the site leadership team, in partnership with Charnwood Arts, wished to commission a public work of art, to express their gratitude for the support Loughborough has provided.  They wished the project to involve local people, to represent the history of the Town of which AstraZeneca has been a part, but also to take a different view of Loughborough – to engage the viewer in the symbolic essence of Loughborough. 

The 40th Anniversary team considered many artists to work with on the commission.  When the team saw Helen Saunders portfolio, they were immediately beguiled by the haunting beauty of her reconfigured landscapes, which seemed to uniquely combine classical Italian renaissance influences with modern digital image manipulation.  The photomontage approach allowed local people to become involved in the project, nominating their favourite symbols of Loughborough, to produce “Loughborough Re-focused”, Helens reconfigured view of the Town.  The teams were delighted with the final work, which now hangs in Loughborough Town Hall, and also the pieces Helen created with local schools as part of the commission.  They hope “Loughborough Re-focused” becomes as iconic for Loughborough as the Sockman, who of course makes an appearance in Helens reconfigured Loughborough. 

Andy Davis

Chair AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood 40th Anniversary Committee