“Luton Henge” – Matthew Rosier, Artist Commission
Our selected artist is Matthew Rosier who creates public artworks with communities across the UK.
His practice involves the public in both the creation process and finished work, creating immersive installations that connect people with their shared heritage, landscapes and each other.
Matthew’s installation, Luton Henge, celebrates local heritage and brings communities together. Inspired by the ancient earthwork Waulud’s Bank, the sculpture was designed in collaboration with Luton residents using local natural materials.
“Luton Henge will be a new community monument made from the Chilterns National Landscape, inspired by its ancient rituals and structures, and celebrating culture in Luton today,” said Matthew. “For me, this project is a rare and wonderful opportunity to create new relationships between the unique landscape of the Chilterns, those who were first drawn to it thousands of years before, and those who call it home today”.
The artwork features eight standing stones made from Totternhoe chalk, oriented toward key seasonal, local, and global landmarks. At its centre, a five-metre chalk circle offers a welcome setting for community events, informal gatherings and moments of reflection.
The Henge – standing at the site of a former BMX track – sits within a vibrant chalk grassland meadow, planted with native wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs in partnership with local groups and volunteers. A new accessible chalk path leads from the nearby Marsh House Community Centre, while 10 wooden benches, crafted from local timber, sit along the perimeter, offering places to rest and take in the surroundings.
Image: Roo Lewis for Nature Calling
