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ARTIST DESIGNER MAKER
I see no boundary between Art and Engineering. I'm passionate about pushing boundaries, experimenting, problem solving and creating new, challenging work. I collaborate, devise, model, prototype, fabricate and install artworks and installations in both public and private spaces. I enjoy working with diverse communities and experimenting with inclusive methods of creativity and co-design. I'm as happy creating an art trail in a heritage setting as I am working with a circus company at an arts festival. I'm interested in collaborating with institutions, companies and individuals who are open-minded, unprejudiced and believe that creativity benefits our built environment and our communities.
PUP
An art installation co-designed with a diverse group of participants from schools around Croome Court. Follow a trail of crystalline poo to discover this interactive, sensory space where families that may feel excluded from other settings can meet to exchange stories, share experiences, and have a day out.
CHAIR PLAY
An art installation in the main entrance hall of Croome Court. Commissioned by the National Trust to showcase the original chairs. Steel armature with plaster skin.
AERIAL HEART
Giant aerial heart for Camp Bestival. The design allows for two configurations. Firstly for a circus crane show and the second as a ground-based artwork.
DANCE FLOOR
A commission for Lacock Abbey. An oak dance floor with illuminated steps from coloured resin with programable LED lighting.
KENSINGTON FRAMES
A commission for Kensington Palace. Bespoke picture frames cast from Jesmonite, featuring motifs from the palace.
TIMELESS
Giant hourglass for dance company Joli Vyann’s touring show. Custom-made modular truss cradle with rotating polycarbonate pods. Equipped with damping mechanism and brake.
GOLDEN PHEASANTS
A series of five large fibreglass birds. Painted by local community groups and displayed in this Capability Brown landscape.
WHAT AM I WORTH
Rotating, custom-made giant hoop for Extraordinary Bodies touring show. Includes hinged ramps/doors and perforated stage sections. Lockable in various positions via rigging line through stage.
RECEIVERS OF THE WRECK
Shipwreck-themed theatre set with riggable mast and bow sprit for aerial circus acts. Rust-effect removable panels and steel superstructure. A modular design for easy assembly and tourability.
M-SHED
Design & fabrication of giant “M” for the Mshed museum in Bristol.
TESTIMONIALS
“Will Datson is alright and I don’t know anyone else.”
Jamie Beddard - Artistic Director, Extraordinary Bodies
“William created two bespoke props for us and is now our go to maker. Not only did he deliver on time and within budget, but also consulted us on possible improvements to our requested designs and his ideas made a massive difference to the suitability of the apparatus. We can highly endorse him and will continue to recommend his services to our friends a colleagues.”
Luke Hallgarten - Artistic Director of The Revel Puck Circus.
“Will Datson has a fantastic ability to come into a creative, collaborative process and turn our shared crazy ideas into living things of beauty. A mixture of attention to detail, combined with the need for robust creations that can withstand the rigors of touring life makes Will the perfect designer to work with.”
Jack Stoddart - Ramshacklicious
“William brings all his experienced knowhow into the creative process. Small scale, large scale, in the air, in a field, on a stage, in a tent, on the ground and on water, he’s the real deal.”
Richard Headon - Artistic Director, Desperate Men
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