Clare Headspace

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BSU Student Honours Course Administrator with Handcrafted Bench

Amy Bullock, a BSU Creative Arts Practice student, has handcrafted a bench at the University’s Locksbrook Campus that has been purchased by colleagues in honour of retiring administrator in the School of Arts, Clare Brandram-Jones.  

Clare, who has worked at Bath Spa University for the last 30 years, connected with Amy when she first joined BSU, four years ago. An integral member of the community, and always quick to lend a helping hand, Clare became Amy’s ‘go-to-person.’ Amy said:  

“Whenever there was something exciting happening or I needed guidance, Clare was the person I went to. A hub of information, always ready with solutions and answers, whether it was clarifying confusion or seeking advice, I could always count on Clare, making her an invaluable resource and a pillar of support to all the students and staff at Locksbrook Campus.” 

Amy initially created the bench as part a project inspired by a replica in Brickfields Park, Bath. A regular ‘chill out’ spot for Amy, the bench became a sanctuary where she could escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, enjoy spectacular views of Bath, and nurture her connection with the city. 

She said: 

“As I continued to frequent this spot, I found that it was more than just a place to sit, it became a catalyst for my artistic exploration. The bench encouraged me to engage with Bath in a profound and intimate way, leading my practice towards psychogeography. Now, my artistic exploration revolves around seeking out these serene and tranquil spaces within the city. It's a process of uncovering the beauty in the every day, finding solace in urban life, and capturing these moments of stillness and reflection through my artwork.”  

With no previous woodwork experience, Amy was under no illusions that the process would be easy. But, after measuring the original bench and documenting its materials, she dove head-first into construction.  

Discussing the process, Amy said:  

“It was a challenging but immensely rewarding experience. I spent just over a week familiarising myself with the woodwork machinery before creating to-scale plans, constructing the frame, attaching the bench and reinforcing it. The process was incredibly satisfying, and it has sparked a newfound love for woodworking.” 

Clare’s bench is an exact copy and a homage to the profound impact the Brickfields Park bench has had on Amy’s creative journey.  

After three decades at BSU, Clare announced her retirement. Intending to celebrate Clare’s career and her remarkable impact on the University, her colleagues approached Amy, hoping to purchase the bench and dedicate it to Clare.   

Wittily entitled ‘Clare Headspace,’ Amy hopes that the bench will provide a similar sense of solace and inspiration to students and staff at Locksbrook Campus and become a space where students and staff can take a breath and clear their heads. 

Amy thanked the community at Locksbrook Campus for their support:  

“I'm incredibly grateful for the support I've received from Glenn and Morgan, the woodwork technicians, for patiently teaching me the ins and outs of woodworking, to Aimee Lax who gave me my first commission, the lecturers on CAP have also played a huge role in guiding and encouraging me, and to Clare for her dedication to the University and to us, her students. 

And lastly, I want to give a big thank you to the bench itself. Without its inspiration, I wouldn't be where I am today.” 

The bench was unveiled to Clare last month, who promises to visit the spot as much as possible. Anyone looking to ‘Clare’ their head can find it situated outside Locksbrook Campus where it’s open for the community to enjoy, reflect, and take a moment to ask themselves... ‘what would Clare do?’