‘Writ in Water’ – New public artwork at Runnymede

15th June 2018

Opening 16 June 2018

New public artwork by Mark Wallinger is unveiled at Runnymede to celebrate the legacy of Magna Carta

Writ in Water, a major architectural artwork by Mark Wallinger, in collaboration with Studio Octopi, provides a new immersive space for contemplation and reflection at Runnymede, Surrey.

Over 800 years ago, Runnymede, now cared for by the National Trust, witnessed the feudal barons forcing King John to seal Magna Carta - a founding moment in shaping the basis of common law across the world. 

Writ in Water, commissioned by the National Trust in association with arts producers Situations, celebrates the enduring significance of Magna Carta.

Set in the heart of this ancient landscape, Writ in Water reflects upon the founding principles of democracy, and through a meeting of water, sky and light, provides visitors with a space for reflection and contemplation.

Mark Wallinger has drawn inspiration from Clause 39 of Magna Carta and the fundamental principles of justice it embodies.

(Image credit: National Trust Image: Andrew Butler)

‘No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, or deprived of his standing in any way, nor will we proceed with force against him, or send others to do so, except by the lawful judgment of his equals or by the law of the land.’Clause 39, Magna Carta

The large-scale circular building emerges from the hillside at the base of Cooper’s Hill. The meadow it sits within is flanked by the River Thames on one side and an ox-bow lake on the other, itself a trace of the river’s earlier course.

Responding to this feature of the landscape, Writ in Water takes its name from the inscription on John Keats’ gravestone, which reads, ‘Here lies one whose name was writ in water’.

Built in cubits, the most ancient unit of measure, and using rammed stone from the site itself, Writ in Water sits at the heart of this ancient land. 

An exterior doorway leads to a simple circular labyrinth, in which the visitor can choose to turn left or right to reach an inner doorway that opens out into a central chamber. Here the sky looms through a wide oculus above a pool of water, as reflective as a still font.

The sides of the pool are inscribed on the inner side, the water reflecting (much like the seal on Magna Carta itself), the reversed and inverted lettering of Clause 39 as the visitor moves round the pool to reveal its words. 

About Runnymede

Seen by many as the birthplace of modern democracy, this picturesque open landscape beside the Thames, now cared for by the National Trust, was witness to King John’s historic sealing of Magna Carta more than 800 years ago. Today Runnymede offers the perfect place to enjoy ancient woodlands, countryside walks or picnics by the river. Along with the impressive Fairhaven lodges by Lutyens, the peaceful landscape is also home to memorials for Magna Carta, John F. Kennedy and Commonwealth Air Forces making it the perfect place to remember and reflect on important moments in world history.