Timber Square: Seedlinks by Clare Burnett
“A new public sculpture in the creative and cultural heart of Bankside”
Hive Curates, in partnership with Landsec, is delighted to award Clare Burnett the Timber Square public sculpture commission
Seedlinks by Clare Burnett, commissioned by HC in collaboration with Landsec for Timber Square, © 2025 Hive Curates
Timber Square is the first of its kind in Bankside. Timber Square’s first phase is one of Europe’s most exciting net zero development projects, helping pioneer the use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) in the UK. The project will deliver 380,000 sq ft of modern work, retail and leisure space,º and targets net zero emissions in both construction and operation. The public sculpture will create a new landmark for Southwark and reflect sustainable innovation of the development. Set to be completed in early 2026, Seedlinks will feature three mosaic sculptures inspired by the rich heritage of the local area, serving as a striking new landmark for the community and encouraging elements of touch, conversation and play.
Presented as three colourful handmade mosaic sculptures, Seedlinks traces the rich heritage of Timber Square, interweaving local histories from a multilayered perspective. Loosely taking the form of mahogany, pine and oak seeds, each structure references the area’s industrial history of timber imports and trade routes during the 18th and 19th centuries, whilst also echoing the contemporary landscaping of Timber Square.
Clare Burnett © 2025 Hive Curates
“I’m really excited about being able to make the sculptures on site, then seeing how the mosaic of the final works bounces off the wood and bricks of the buildings.”
Built with over 45,000 individually placed glass tiles, Seedlinks celebrates the legacy of IPC Magazine’s 1950s printing press through a carefully considered colour palette of Cyan, Magenta and Yellow. Drawing on the material connection between Seedlinks and the recent local discovery of Roman mosaics in 2023, Burnett further explores Southwark’s past and present creative, cultural and physical landscapes, encouraging a playful dialogue between the two new buildings. In the spirit of community, Burnett hopes to employ the help of a Southwark-based artist or trades professional, offering an exciting upskill opportunity.
Hive Curates and Landsec Team with artist Clare Burnett, © 2025 Hive Curates
Seedlinks emerged through the Timber Square Open Call, a public art initiative by Hive Curates and Landsec, inviting artists to respond to Southwark’s layered histories and cultural landscape. From over 50 exciting and innovative expressions of interest, the judging panel shortlisted five artists and creative studios, who were awarded an honorarium to develop their proposals; including Amelia Bowles, Fung + Bedford Design Studio, Lucy Gregory, Mi Ding, and finalist Clare Burnett. The artwork is scheduled to be installed in mid-March 2026, bringing Clare’s vibrant mosaics to life in the heart of Timber Square.
For Hive Curates, who champion artist-led approaches to placemaking, Seedlinks represents exactly what public art can do best: transform our everyday environments and connect people through imagination, craft, and story.
