Posted on 17th Jul
Newark is commemorating its local heritage, and the life and works of one its most influential residents, through the launch of two new trails and the unveiling of newly-placed sculptures in his honour.
One trail celebrates Robert Kiddey, a gifted sculptor, artist, and teacher whose legacy lives on through the public artworks, personal memories, and creative spirit he left behind.
The second, called Threads of Time, takes people on a journey through Newark’s past and the objects that have contributed to the rich history of the town.
Robert Kiddey (1900–1984) was born in Nottingham and trained at the Nottingham School of Art from the age of 14, going on to exhibit at the Royal Academy in London and the Salon in Paris, sharing space with some of the most significant figures in 20th Century art, including Picasso and Epstein.
Despite international recognition, it was Newark that became his lifelong home. After serving in the first world war, Robert settled in the town in 1931 to teach at the newly-opened Technical College, where he remained for the rest of his life, becoming a familiar figure remembered fondly for his pork pie hat, artistic flair, and deep generosity.
Robert’s influence reached far beyond the classroom. He established several studios across Newark, producing an extraordinary body of work, from sculptural panels and war-time paintings to heritage restorations and religious commissions.
His art was often public and always personal, marked by craftsmanship, character, and an enduring sense of place. He had a gift for elevating everyday subjects with care and humour, and many of his pieces still decorate the town’s buildings and civic spaces today.
To ensure his contribution continues to be recognised, the Kiddey Trail has been designed to take people on a self-guided walking tour across nine locations that reflect key moments in Chris’s life and career, including sites where he taught, lived, or is commemorated through his work.
From sculptural panels at Newark College to contemplative religious pieces in St Mary Magdalene Church, the trail offers a unique way to engage with his story.
As part of the trail, four Robert Kiddey sculptures were unveiled outside Castle House by the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Professor Veronica Pickering.
Originally commissioned in 1957 for Wilford Power Station, the striking panels, made up of 12 intricately-carved stone pieces, each represent a different stage in the process of electricity production, showcasing the full breadth of Kiddey’s artistic skill and imagination.
Preserved for over 40 years, their new public display will pay further tribute to Chris, with members of the Kiddey family also in attendance at the launch.
Coinciding with the Kiddey Trail, the Threads of Time trail offers the opportunity to learn even more about the history of Newark through objects that would have played a part in the everyday lives of people who lived and worked there. Hidden in shops across the town centre, people can follow the trail to discover the objects, while also supporting local businesses that shape Newark today. The trail also begins at the National Civil War Centre.
