Guilloche, Walter Jack Studio, Attingham Park, 2018

Image: National Trust / Walter Jack Studios

Image: National Trust / Walter Jack Studios

Walter Jack Studios were asked to re-think Attingham's much-loved playfield, to do something special, 'something that could only be at Attingham'. Time was spent walking & talking at Attingham to understand how the site was used and loved by visitors and staff, the resources which could be tapped into and how to connect the outdoor space to the Mansion.Guilloche is printed boldly onto the entire field. Guilloche is an ancient pattern, named after the drawing machine which created it, and it can be found in textiles and plaster work in the mansion.

“We used the pattern to create shape, boundary, play and interest in the field. It does not constrain, because the pattern is a layer that can be used or ignored, worn away and re-discovered. Imposed here with a broad brush, the pattern will nevertheless create a wealth of complexity and opportunity. Staff and visitors can complete the pattern, fill in the circles, make stages, hedges and spaces to meet, eat and play.”

– Walter Jack Studios

WJS surveyed the field and buried steel centre points which could be used to mark out the arcs of the pattern using a line marking machine. We initially filled in some of the pattern with mounds, logs and long willow tunnels.“This was a very enjoyable collaboration. The staff at Attingham take a long view, and they're hugely committed to the place and to their volunteers and visitors. The pictures show the first stage build, around which the staff at Attingham created engagement events to guide us all forward.”