Confluence is a metaphor for people and their ideas and ideals coming together and working together. Based on the early Christian symbol of the ΙΧΘΥΣ (Ichthys), individual elements that make the whole sculpture mirror the bisecting curves that people once drew in the sand to communicate their belief. This geometric convention is also reflected in the overall shape of the sculpture, which is clearly fish-like and refers to the nearby river and the significance of water within Christianity and other religions.
Each of the two hundred and forty-one elements of the 16 metre long sculpture is cut from steel and coloured individually in one of fifteen cool enamel colours that contrast with the yellow brick wall specified by the building’s award winning architects Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios in consultation with the Academy’s sponsors and local residents. The sculpture was chosen by students of the Academy, working together with their teachers and parents, as well as a curatorial adviser from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Commissioned by the London Diocesan Board for Schools and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, both sponsors of the Academy.

‘The artist was given a demanding brief: to produce a work of art that communicated something of the Academy’s Christian ethos, diverse community, science specialism and riverside location. Through Confluence, Will Nash has met this brief admirably. This striking work of art will be a source of excitement, inspiration and pride on the part of Academy students and staff for generations to come.’

The Principal of Chelsea Academy, Mr Andy Yarrow