IKEA partners with Exeter artist to unveil glass sculpture of an original Exeter Clinker

Home furnishings retailer, IKEA, yesterday unveiled a striking sculpture made from over 500 pieces of colourful IKEA glassware as the finale of its “Wonderful Everyday Tour” – a series of unique mini-events and installations that were created to give Exeter and Devon locals a taste of the ‘Wonderful Everyday’ to celebrate IKEA’s arrival in the city.

The retailer has partnered with talented local artist, Roop Johnstone, on the design of The Glass Boat, to pay homage to Exeter’s rich maritime history and the city’s unique heritage. The sculpture will be on display at Princesshay Shopping Centre for the people of Exeter to enjoy until 30th May.

At over 15ft long, the striking sculpture is cast on an original 1930s Exeter Clinker boat. The Glass Boat has been designed in such a way that when light shines through it, the colourful IKEA glassware is lit up in a nod to the stained-glass windows in one of Exeter’s most famous landmarks - Exeter Cathedral.

Nick Earle, IKEA Exeter Store Manager, said: “We’re so pleased to have worked with the incredibly gifted Roop to unveil this fantastic sculpture for the whole city to enjoy. It’s a beautiful piece that really brings to life Exeter’s rich maritime history, and is also a brilliant addition to the rest of the exciting mini-events and installations that we have brought to the city around the new store opening.

“It’s been great to see the fantastic response from Exeter and beyond to IKEA’s arrival in the city so far, and I’m looking forward to hearing the response around our latest addition for the local community.”

Following the sculpture’s installation at Princesshay, a donation equivalent to the site fee will be made by IKEA to Exeter Street Art Festival in the summer.

To find out more about IKEA Exeter, visit www.IKEA.co.uk/Exeter

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