Size: 120 x 70 x 70 cm
Medium: salvaged wood, found objects.
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This tower is a deeply personal piece for Lesley Hilling, dedicated to the memory of her father, Pete Hilling (1926–2016), and men like him—those who worked with their hands, repaired, built, and crafted. The artwork pays homage to a generation who had workshops or sheds at the bottom of the garden, filled with tools and remnants of a time when things were made to last. Some of Pete's tools, including his plane, chisels, and drills, are enclosed within the structure, while spent bullets, rivets, and screws from his shed decorate the piece, evoking a pre-plastic era of craftsmanship.
Interwoven into the tower are photographs of Pete, from his childhood and as a young man in the Navy during World War II, as well as images of his family. These photographs, placed behind magnifying glasses, are deliberately distorted, representing the way time and memory can shift and blur. The photos guide viewers through the passage of time, reflecting on the process of aging and the ephemeral nature of life.
About the Artist:
Lesley Hilling is a self-taught English artist known for her intricate constructions made entirely from salvaged wood and found objects. Her work reflects a deep connection to the past, incorporating items like cigarette cards, shells, old photos, clock mechanisms, and magnifying glasses. These objects are not just materials but storytellers, inviting viewers to unravel the narratives within each piece. As Lesley herself notes, “the key to the story is with the viewer.”
Originally trained as a graphic designer, Lesley transitioned from design to art over the years, drawing inspiration from artists like Joseph Cornell and Louise Nevelson. Her early work with box constructions has since evolved into larger wall pieces and towering sculptures that evoke both nostalgia and a desire to preserve forgotten fragments of history. Jane England, a notable commentator, describes her art as “a powerful sense of longing to preserve the fragments of the past, a desire for order, a passionate and mysterious evocation of lost moments.”
Lesley’s artistic practice is deeply tied to her life in Brixton, south London, where she has lived for over forty years with her partner Nel. Together, they are active members of the Brixton Housing Co-op, tending to their allotment and sharing their home with two dogs. Lesley’s work is a testament to the beauty of reclaimed materials and the stories they can hold, offering viewers a glimpse into lost moments and hidden memories.
