Watlington ArtSpine is a walking route that connects the new housing developments to the west of Watlington to the historic Town Centre. The route passes sculptures by local and nationally recognised artists. The ArtSpine symbolises both the connection between the old and new communities and the importance of visual arts which form the backbone of the town’s cultural life.
Meander
Joseph Hillier
To Build a Home
Joseph Hillier
Furrow
Joseph Hillier
Aspire
Nick Foot
In-Spire
Nick Foot
The Boy Who Never Left the Trees
Joseph Hillier
To Build a Community
Joseph Hillier
Download Map
Meander
Joseph Hillier
The Boy Who Never Left the Trees
Joseph Hillier
To Build a Home
Joseph Hillier
Furrow
Joseph Hillier
Aspire
Nick Foot
In-Spire
Nick Foot
To Build a Community
Joseph Hillier
Download Map
The lead artist, Joseph Hillier, spent several weeks in Watlington meeting local people and learning about its history, environment and community life. His works reflect his impressions of our small Chiltern’s market town. There are five sculptures in the series – reflecting the community and aspects of Watlington’s history, environment and culture.
Local artists, Nick Foot and James Ort were commissioned to add their perspective on the life of the town and its people.
The project is funded by contributions from Redrow and Bloor Homes. It was delivered by Watlington Parish Council working with representatives of the local arts community.

Joseph Hillier
To Build a Home

Joseph Hillier
To Build a Community

Nick Foot
Aspire

James Ort
In-Spire

Joseph Hillier
Furrow

Joseph Hillier
Meander

Joseph Hillier
The Boy Who Never Left the Trees
Follow the
ArtSpine Trail
Watlington ArtSpine starts at Hill Road Car Park, passing the historic Town Hall (built as a school by Thomas Stonor in 1662) and the Library before visiting the Paddock (formerly the Primary School playing fields).
Returning to the High Street it continues down Church Lane into the quiet pathway of Church Meadows. Several sculptures can be found in Mansle Gardens (named after Watlington’s twin town in France).
The route continues past St Leonard’s Church (originally Norman, rebuilt in 14th Century) until it meets Cuxham Road where it splits in two with one sculpture at the Willow Close entrance to Hampden Meadows and one on Asgard Green on the Red Kite View development.
The route is marked by signposts which use the ArtSpine logo.
