Writ in Water
Runnymede, Surrey, UK
Artist Mark Wallinger in collaboration with Studio Octopi
Client The National Trust (in association with Situations)
My Role Producer (Situations and National Trust)
Date June 2018, permanent
Delve Deeper Watch Writ in Water short film
produced and directed by Jared Schiller
Download Digital leaflet, Accessible version
The project
Writ in Water is a new major public artwork for Runnymede by Turner-Prize winning artist Mark Wallinger in collaboration with London based architectural practice Studio Octopi. Commissioned by the National Trust in association with Arts Producers Situations, Writ in Water celebrates the enduring significance of Magna Carta, providing an immersive space for contemplation and reflection at Runnymede, Surrey.
Over 800 years ago, Runnymede witnessed the feudal barons forcing King John to seal Magna Carta – a founding moment in shaping the basis of common law across the world. Set in the heart of this ancient landscape at Runnymede, Writ in Water reflects upon the founding principles of democracy, and through a meeting of water, sky and light, provides visitors with a space for reflection and contemplation.
The artist
Mark Wallinger, born Chigwell, UK, 1959, has created some of the most subtly intelligent and influential artworks of the last thirty years. Wallinger is known for his career-long engagement with ideas of power, authority, artifice and illusion. Using epic narratives, lyrical metaphors and ardent punning, the artist interleaves the mythological, the political and the everyday. In Writ in Water, Mark Wallinger has drawn inspiration from Clause 39 of Magna Carta and the fundamental principles of justice it embodies.
“No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, or deprived of his standing in any way, nor will we proceed with force against him, or send others to do so, except by the lawful judgment of his equals or by the law of the land.”
Clause 39, Magna Carta
Writ in Water has received the RIBA National Award 2019, a Civic Trust Awards Commendation in March 2019 and the ‘Best Public Building Interior Surface’ Award at the Surface Design Awards during February 2019.
Through Writ in Water, Mark has brought together contemporary culture and a wider historical narrative, in a way that will enhance this special place for years to come.
John Orna-Ornstein,
Direct of Culture and Engagement, National Trust
My Role
Georgina worked on this project both as an in house Producer for the Situations team, and directly for National Trust as freelance Lead Producer for two subsequent years. In both roles she worked closely with the client, artist, architect, gallery and wider project partners to manage a large group of stakeholders across the complex build and launch. Georgina led on the commissioning and production of all engagement content, working with filmmaker and director Jared Schiller to make a short film about the work.
With Thanks
Writ in Water was made possible with National Lottery funding through Arts Council England and the generous support of Art Fund, the Sigrid Rausing Trust, the Henry Moore Foundation and Lord and Lady Lupton. With additional support from Iwan and Manuela Wirth, Valeria and Rudolf Maag-Arrigoni and Harris Calnan.
Visiting and Access
Writ in Water is located at Runnymede, Surrey, SL4 2JL (SatNav: TW20 0AE). The site is open 7 days a week, night and day. Please visit the National Trust website for details of how to get there, car parking and accessibility.
The sky looms through a wide oculus above a pool of water. Courtesy National Trust.
