“Public art for Oxford's new Waitrose: a barn owl and field mice sculptures inspired by local farmland and wildlife.”
I recently completed a new set of sculptures for the opening of the Waitrose store on Botley Road, Oxford - a large barn owl accompanied by three mice, created to reflect the surrounding landscape and wildlife.
The new Waitrose has quickly become a landmark for the area, opening its doors to eager customers and creating over 200 local jobs, alongside a spacious store and a 90-seat café. Built on the former site of Halfords and MFI, the development marks a fresh chapter for Botley Road, blending modern retail with an emphasis on accessibility and community use.
The choice of a barn owl and field mice felt particularly fitting. These animals are emblematic of the farmland and edge-of-city habitats that surround Oxford, quietly acknowledging the natural world that exists alongside everyday urban life. The owl watches over the scene, while the mice add a touch of humour and discovery - small details that reward those who stop and look closely.
It's always a pleasure to contribute artwork to public spaces like this, especially when it becomes part of a place people visit daily -whether they're popping in for groceries, meeting friends in the café, or simply passing through a newly opened part of their city.