Cnihtengild (simply referred to as 'the Horse' in the Mitchell household) was almost three years in the making, from conception to installation. It was commissioned by the Standard Life Assurance Company as the courtyard centrepiece for their office complex in Devonshire Square. One-and-a-half times life size, it is forged in bronze. The distinctive blue glass roundels in the caparison were made by Bibi Smit, glass artist.
The first stage of construction was to figure out how to make a two-dimensional drawing a three-dimensional reality. The component parts of the sculpture had to fit together practically and aesthetically. The pieces came together gradually to create the desired form, like a giant puzzle. At this point, my father was assisted by a young apprentice, Linda.
The next stage was working with the bronze to create the finished article. Unfortunately, I am unable to provide any detailed information on the methods used, I was away at college at this time and was not present to see my father at work.
'The Horse' was a popular sight in Kelso and locals would drop in to see what progress was being made. The people of Kelso who remember it being made are still proud that this sculpture came from their town.
The Horse was assembled outside the workshop to enable it to be assessed from a distance. In London, it was to stand on rotating plinth which would move 1 degree a day so that office occupants would enjoy a complete 360 degree view over the course of a year.
A very exciting time, the Horse was finally completed and ready for transport and installation in its new home. My father arrived in Devonshire Square and met a man who was in tears. When asked why he was crying, the man replied "She's gone. Maggie's gone!". This is how my father learned the news about Margaret Thatcher's resignation earlier that day.
Cnihtengild was officially unveiled by the Lord Mayor of London, Sir Alexander Graham, on 21st November 1990. My parents and I travelled down to London for the ceremony. We were so proud of my father. To have a sculpture publicly recognised in such a way was an honour.
Sadly, Standard Life moved out of the complex some years ago and our beloved Cnihtengild was removed from the centre of the courtyard and relegated to a smaller garden outside. Nevertheless, it continues to impress. A rugged, historical figure set amidst the sleek, modern architecture of the Finance district.
For more information on Cnihtengild and the history of the site, there is an excellent article by Jonathan Wober on his website, London on the Ground. Jonathan is a qualified guide who conducts walking tours of London, and features Cnihtengild in his Secret City Spaces East tour. To visit the article and the London on the Ground website click here.
