The Space Between, 2015:
"The development of Forbury Place in Reading, as a UK headquarters operating from a remarkably well-considered office space, is as good as it gets. As part of the development team we decided to place a significant landmark sculpture in front of the two buildings, marking the main entrance for pedestrians - easily visible from either end of Forbury Road. Because the development of high quality real estate is our business, we were determined to choose a sculptor who could deliver a sensitive and complimentary sculpture to the striking architecture behind it - we found that sculptor in Simon.
From the initial engagement with him, working through a variety of ideas and then integrating those alongside the architect’s own vision, to the month by month unfolding of the project and finally the installation itself, he has been every bit the professional we originally hoped for. His capability in managing the intricacies of such a large project working alongside builders, designers and project managers alike, was without fault. I thank him for delivering every bit of the significant landmark sculpture he promised us two years ago, and for taking any of the worries that could present themselves in such a project, away for our daily duties making the journey an enjoyable and memorable one. I’m convinced that Reading will grow to love this sculpture as much as we do."
Patrick Davis, Partner at Bell Hammer
Diorite desk, 2015:
"We set Simon a challenging brief - to produce a functional stone reception desk that fused the rawness of the stone's original state and the elegance of artistic ingenuity. The vision we had was to create something that looked as if someone had reached up to the roof of a cave and plucked out a piece of stone and fashioned it into furniture. Simon's work achieved this 100%.
It was a true pleasure to have worked with him from the moment that I awarded him the commission and Simon's passion and enthusiasm has been infectious throughout the project. He was inspired to explore the four corners of the Crown's ownerships to source the right piece of stone for the desk commission, and from the moment that 21 tonne piece of Diorite was discovered in North Wales he carefully held its hand on its journey around the UK, from extraction, to cutting to its final shaping and then delivery to its new home in central London; tending its metamorphosis to a beautiful conclusion.
I am compelled to look through the doorway every time I now walk past the office reception where it now resides. Ancient history and modern expression presented in solid form. Even the receptionist, unprompted, will proudly tell anyone arriving in the building the life story of his new desk."
Tim Webb, Retail Business Development Manager, The Crown Estate
Glorious Beauty, 2014:
“The unveiling of Glorious Beauty is a major milestone in the development of 375 Kensington High Street. We have worked tirelessly to deliver the highest levels of design and detail, selecting the best materials to create the finest finishes, and we have carried this through to our choice of public art, ensuring it is appropriate to one of London’s most sought after new addresses.”
Paul Vallone, Executive Chairman of St Edward
Glorious Beauty, 2014:
"In brokering the relationship between Simon Hitchens and St Edward Homes, for this prestigious commission at the western entrance to Kensington High Street and the head of the development that will continue along Warwick Road, we have set the standard very high. It has been a pleasure to work with professionals who achieve high standards in both building and in the visual arts. Glorious Beauty draws on the history of the locality as well as being a sculpture of balance and contemporary vision."
Ann Elliott, Exhibitions and Visual Art Projects
Transition Point, 2013:
“ I see this as an enhancement of every aspect of school life – academic, artistic, scientific, and pastoral, and as a piece of art which will, in due course, become an iconic image in the minds of Leysians as they move through school and on through life".
The headmaster Martin Priestley
Unity, 2013:
Commission by Art Contact on behalf of Urbanest Development at Kings Cross Central.
"A regeneration and evolution of a public space is a celebration of it’s future and an appreciation of it’s past. Simon flawlessly incorporated these qualities in a triumphant piece of sculpture, commissioned on behalf of Urbanest at KCC. Art Contact worked closely with Simon through all stages of the development, from the initial concept to installation. He is a master of his craft and a true expert. Simon’s knowledge and his executing of our brief made the project run seamlessly. His knowledge of Public Art Sculpture and usage of the materials used for ‘Unity in granite and resin demonstrated the intrinsic understanding and the genuine passion he has for his art, while his professionalism make him a joy to work with. Our client was delighted with the end result." Virginia Grub, Director, Art Contact Ltd
From Dawn Until Dusk, 2008:
“At Boscombe the sculptural elements conceived and realised by Simon have successfully transformed the approach to the pier and seafront, responding to the challenging nature of the site and harsh environment, to create a unique, distinct and practical piece of urban design.” Helen Middleton-Stewart Landscape Architect , Boscombe Seafront Regeneration Project 2008.
Parallel Presence, 2007:
'' As an art consultancy we look for a number of aspects of an artist and his work before asking them to create a sculptural proposal for a client. The project was for a sculpture within a large public space outside of a prestigious development near Canary Wharf. Simon Hitchens realised all these requirements faultlessly. First and foremost he is an artist of true originality creating a broad scope of thought provoking work. When realising a project he is sympathetic to its surroundings yet creates sculpture utterly individual in its own right. He has the ability to realise monumental sculpture on time and on budget, personally overseeing installation and future care of the work. Simon is an artist who I have admired for many years, who is constantly developing and questioning his craft and who I can whole heartedly recommend for any major public project.'' Nick Holmes, Seymour Art Consultants, London
Coastline, 2006:
Commissioned for Allerdale Borough Council as part of the Workington Town Centre Regeneration. “The great value of bringing artists into the regeneration process is that they have the confidence and the vocabulary to react creatively to what they find. Simon is articulate in a range of contrasting materials and processes; granite and resin, casting and carving, using light and line; and he has shown himself able to absorb the peculiarities of place whilst retaining the integrity of his own sculptural voice.” - Geoff Wood, Director, Working pArts.