An internationally renowned sculptor determined to amplify art in Bishop’s Stortford has donated a piece to the town.
The Stories that Shape Us was officially unveiled this week by its creator, Nicola Anthony, and Hertford and Stortford MP Josh Dean.
Collaborators and fellow creators gathered at South Mill Arts for a ceremony, also attended by the mayor, Cllr Martin Adams.
Nicola Anthony and The Stories that Shape Us. Picture by Gerred Gilronan
The Stories that Shape Us is made in Nicola’s signature marine-grade stainless steel and sits in a specially created garden setting.
Nicola said: “This sculpture is about stories and songs that help us grow strong as individuals and as a society – the words, phrases, and powerful voices that have led people to become stronger and more resilient throughout history.
“This sculpture references two distinct yet connected phrases: the childhood rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me…,” and the modern poem, “They tried to bury me, but they did not realise I am not just a person, I am a seed.”
The Stories that Shape Us by Nicola Anthony. Picture by Gerred Gilronan
“The latter, an adaptation of words by Greek poet Dinos Christianopolis, has become a global slogan of resilience and resistance, adopted by movements advocating for human rights across the world.
“The artwork traces a journey between these two statements, expressing it physically as a spiral form in stainless steel. It reminds us that nursery rhymes, poems, stories, songs, plays, and parables carry power – shaping us from childhood through adulthood – and that words can be a source of strength, courage, and transformation.”
Nicola grew up in Cheshunt, where she attended Goffs School (now Goffs Academy). She went on to study at the University of the Arts London and then Loughborough University in Leicestershire. There, her degree exhibition showcase was sponsored by Tate Britain, and she won the AstraZeneca Commission 2006 on graduation.
Sculptor Nicola Anthony explains The Stories that Shape Us to Mayor Martin Adams. Picture by Gerred Gilronan
Her work has taken her around the world, from Dublin to Singapore, and she spent six months in Los Angeles after one of her sculptures, featuring the story of a Holocaust survivor, was commissioned for Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation.
She moved back to Hertfordshire in 2021 and settled in Stortford in 2022, building a studio at the bottom of her garden.
Over the past four years, her hope has been to encourage her fellow creatives in the town to come together and raise the profile of the town’s artistic community. Donating a permanent public sculpture was part of that aim, and she hoped other art would be installed.
The Stories that Shape Us by Nicola Anthony at South Mill Arts. Picture by Gerred Gilronan
She said: “I’m passionate about connecting people…Magic happens when we have cross-pollination…We are more together than we are alone.”
She paid tribute to the team at South Mill Arts for embracing her vision and agreeing to become the sculpture’s “guardian” – but she joked that as she lives close by, the temptation to give it a regular polish might be too much to resist.
As the sculpture was inaugurated, Steven Connors, the chair of trustees, told guests that around three years ago, a letter to the Bishop’s Stortford Independent accused the centre of ignoring the visual arts.
Steven Connors, the chair of trustees, welcomes guests to the unveiling. Picture by Gerred Gilronan
Since then, the hub has been on a mission to right that wrong, including an enhanced gallery space with frequent exhibitions by different artists.
Cllr Adams thanked Nicola for the gift and said the town council was proud to invest in South Mill Arts.
Mr Dean said it was fitting that Nicola’s gift to the town had a home at the centre because it was a special place that brought the community together.
Sculptor Nicola Anthony, flanked by the mayor of Bishop’s Stortford, Cllr Martin Adams, and Hertfordshire Stortford MP Josh Dean. Picture by Gerred Gilronan
Guests enjoyed fizz and canapés as singer Tabitha Lily performed an acoustic set in the Maltings bar.
The evening concluded with Nicola in conversation with sculptor specialist Flo Horswell and a question-and-answer session with guests.
Nicola, who created a record-breaking installation at Durham Cathedral last year to mark the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, is now planning to continue her work with South Mill Arts through a programme of panel discussions over the next year.
Nicola Anthony tells guests how honoured she is to have her work permanently installed at South Mill Arts. Picture by Gerred GilronanWriter Helen Miller admires the sculpture. Picture by Gerred GilronanTabitha Lily performs in the Maltings Bar. Picture by Gerred GilronanHertford and Stortford MP Josh Dean and artist Nicola Anthony officially inaugurate the sculpture at South Mill Arts. Picture by Gerred GilronanSculpture specialist Flo Horswell directs the Sculpture Walk at Treasure House in London. Picture by Gerred GilronanNicola Anthony in conversation. Picture by Gerred Gilronan
All pictures by Gerred Gilronan