A NEW piece of public art has been unveiled marking more than 3,000 years of life in Winchester.

The 1.8 by 1.2 metre mosaic has been created at CALA Homes’ Kings Barton development by mosaic artist Joanna Dewfall.

Joanna took her inspiration from historic buildings in the city.

Earlier style homes are reimagined, but later properties can all be found in the city including Brethen’s Hall in Cathedral Close, which dates back to 1136, Chesil Rectory built in 1425 and the Stanmore Estate, the first state-built social housing in Winchester in the 1920s.

Jane Austen’s former house in College Street also features, along with a Georgian property on Colebrook Street, an area where John Keats is thought to have written his poem ‘Autumn’ 200 years ago.

Other features on the artwork include a patterned border taken from the Sparsholt Roman mosaic floor, which is on display in Winchester museum. Native wild flowers have also been incorporated into the design, reflecting the areas of green open space, including wildflower meadows, being created at Kings Barton.

The mosaic takes pride of place on CALA’s second phase of the development within public open space on a key walking and cycling route into the city.

Joanna Dewfall, who graduated from Winchester School of Art, said: “This was a fantastic project to be involved in and I spent many hours researching local buildings and architecture before designing the final piece.

“I wanted to create something that paid homage to the city’s rich history and architecture, while embracing the modern new community being created at Kings Barton.”

Alison Deakin, CALA sales and marketing director, added: “We loved Joanna’s initial concept and are thrilled with how the mosaic has turned out. It captures the essence of Winchester through the ages through its historic architecture and brings together the past, present and future beautifully. Hopefully it will be a focal point at Kings Barton for many years to come.”

Barton Farm, also known as Kings Barton, is a landmark development on farmland off Andover Road which will have 2,000 homes when finished.

Plans for the development also include a primary school, health centre, shops, leisure facilities, sustainable transport links and green space.