The Landscape of a Map

The Map being used on the carving is dated from the 1970’s and interestingly still clearly shows the old sites of the Ballast & Clay Pits, Round Wood as well as the grounds of Cobtree Manor. The inclusion and carving of the map is a way of referencing the past while creating a link with the present modifications to the site at Cobtree.

The surrounding landscape hasn’t changed that much since the days of Maidstone Zoo, and the old map links us directly to that immediate environment. It provides us with a sense of place and it can be used to display features, portrayed in a highly symbolic style. Like all maps they become estimations, and interpretations of a true geographic condition. In particular, I have focused on the linear contours, boundaries and tracks that divide the area with particular emphasis to the site at Cobtree and the River Medway.