Reach
Commissioned by the University of Kent
Stainless Steel
Location: Brompton Academy, Gillingham, Kent
Artist: Sam Holland
Unveiled: November 2014
Purpose: This inspirational piece is designed to promote Pride and self-belief. Its design is fluid and upward-reaching, symbolising the journey toward personal growth and collective achievement.
Reach by Sam Holland is a powerful and inspiring sculpture commissioned by the University of Kent situated prominently at the Brompton Academy in the heart of the Brompton community. The sculpture is positioned with a thoughtful view of the Great Lines Park and a nearby hospital, linking it to both local heritage and the broader aspirations of the community.
Reach stands as a beacon of possibility, encouraging all who encounter it to embrace their potential and trust in their ability to achieve great things.
Pride, Self Belief, Trust, Potential, Pride, Momentum and Aspiration
'REACH comprises of two parts: the figure, representing aspiration, ambition – the need to ‘stretch up with all your might’.
The plinth is a metaphor for the support of that aspiration: the teachers, the staff, the families, the community, and the outreach initiative itself.'
– Sam Holland, artist.
Two parts…
Crafted from stainless steel, Reach is a dynamic and bold piece that embodies the values of pride, self-belief, trust, potential, momentum, and aspiration.
The sculptural form stretches toward the sky, its sweeping lines evoking a sense of energy and forward movement. Each curve and angle serves as a visual metaphor for the community’s drive to reach higher, push boundaries, and embrace limitless potential.