Exeter's Ikea unveil 500 piece glassware sculpture in Princesshay

Ikea yesterday (Tuesday 15th May) unveiled a striking sculpture based on an original Exeter Clinker boat, made from over 500 pieces of Ikea glassware.

As part of its “Wonderful Everyday Tour” and following the opening of its new store in Exeter on 10^th May, IKEA yesterday unveiled a striking sculpture based on an original Exeter Clinker boat.

The sculpture, created by Exeter artist Roop Johnstone, was unveiled at the Princesshay Shopping Centre and pays homage to Exeter’s maritime history. The unique piece is designed so that the colourful IKEA glassware lights up when light was shone through it in a nod to the famous stained glass windows of Exeter Cathedral.

 The retailer, who opened an Ikea store in Exeter earlier this month, has partnered with talented local artist, Roop Johnstone, on the design of The Glass Boat, to pay homage to Exeter’s rich maritime history and the city’s unique heritage. The sculpture will be on display at Princesshay Shopping Centre for the people of Exeter to enjoy until 30^th May.

At over 15ft long, the striking sculpture is cast on an original 1930s Exeter Clinker boat. The Glass Boat has been designed in such a way that when light shines through it, the colourful IKEA glassware is lit up in a nod to the stained-glass windows in one of Exeter’s most famous landmarks - Exeter Cathedral.

Nick Earle, IKEA Exeter Store Manager, said: “We’re so pleased to have worked with the incredibly gifted Roop to unveil this fantastic sculpture for the whole city to enjoy. It’s a beautiful piece that really brings to life Exeter’s rich maritime history, and is also a brilliant addition to the rest of the exciting mini-events and installations that we have brought to the city around the new store opening.  

“It’s been great to see the fantastic response from Exeter and beyond to IKEA’s arrival in the city so far, and I’m looking forward to hearing the response around our latest addition for the local community.”

Following the sculpture’s installation at Princesshay, a donation equivalent to the site fee will be made by IKEA to Exeter Street Art Festival in the summer.