Public realm commission

Internationally acclaimed artists commissioned to create permanent new artwork for University’s new campus

Bristol-based artists John Wood and Paul Harrison have been commissioned by the University of Bristol to create a landmark artwork for the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus (TQEC)  which opens in 2026.

John and Paul – known professionally as Wood and Harrison – both studied at Bath College of Higher Education and have been working together since 1993. Their studio is at Spike Island in Bristol’s harbourside.  

They create video works and experiment with the physical limitations, scale and movement of the human body in relation to the surrounding environment. They also make objects linked to urban environments that encourage a sense of play and recreation. Their work has been exhibited across the world including the Museum of Modern Art and Times Square in New York and Tate London.

The permanent artwork they create will be installed in a prominent location at the new campus which will be the base for around 4,600 students, 650 staff and industry and civic partners. TQEC will enhance the University of Bristol’s reputation as a global destination for world-leading interdisciplinary research, education and innovation and provide exciting new opportunities for collaboration and community engagement.

John and Paul visited the site recently and met with staff from the University and principal contractors Sir Robert McAlpine. They will now work on a concept proposal which will involve working with researchers and stakeholders across the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus project.

John and Paul said: “We’ve worked together for over 30 years now, we’ve made a lot of work; videos, sculptures, drawings, prints and some things that don’t quite fit into any of those categories. But this is our first commission for a permanent public work. It’s an interesting challenge, quite scary, but also an interesting challenge. To be honest we don’t really know what we are going to make yet, but that’s always the case when we are making something new, so it’s a good sign. Honestly.”

Professor Beth Williamson, Chair of the University’s Public Art Advisory Panel, added: “We are delighted that Wood and Harrison will be bringing their unique and playful work to us on this major commission. As Bristol-based artists with a significant international reach, and with a particularly wide intergenerational appeal, they are especially well-suited to producing something exciting for this public space within our new campus.”

The University is being supported on this venture by the Contemporary Art Society *Consultancy who curate and manage a range of projects in different contexts and environments to produce collections, events and public art commissions across the UK.

Megan O’Shea, Senior Art Producer, Contemporary Art Society *Consultancy, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Wood and Harrison on this commission for a landmark artwork for Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. The experimentation evident in their practice over the last 30 years seems a perfect fit for a building that will home so many researchers and students, and its playfulness will extend a sense of welcome to local residents and visitors. Engaging audiences through art in public space is at the heart of what CAS Consultancy does. We look forward to opening up exciting possibilities for art at Temple Quarter.”