The Priestley250 monument on The Green was officially unveiled yesterday,Tuesday 23rd June, marking the completion of the town's project celebrating the 250th anniversary of Joseph Priestley's discovery of oxygen.
The sculpture, created by Calne artists Richard Cowdy and Geoffrey Stephenson, was installed earlier this month opposite Priestley House, where Priestley lived while carrying out experiments at nearby Bowood House.
Priestley is best known for discovering oxygen in 1774 during his time in Calne, a breakthrough that helped transform scientific understanding of the natural world and secured his place as one of Britain's most influential scientists.
The unveiling brought together many of the people involved in the Priestley250 project, which saw a programme of science, arts, heritage and community events take place across the town throughout 2024.
Speaking at the event, Priestley250 chair Celia Stevens said the project had always been about more than commemorating a scientific discovery.
"It was about raising the profile of Calne, about celebrating someone who lived here and raising the aspirations of people who live here," she said.
Celia said the steering group had been keen from the outset to secure funding from outside the town while drawing on local skills and expertise. The project received initial support from Calne Town Council and the Calne Area Board before securing funding from Arts Council England and support from the Royal Society of Chemistry.
She used the unveiling to thank the many volunteers, artists, schools, community groups and organisations who helped make the celebrations possible.
Among the projects highlighted were a community quilt involving around 100 people, heritage walks exploring Priestley's connection to Calne, science activities for local schoolchildren and public artworks, including the mural in Phelps Parade.
Celia also paid tribute to Richard Cowdy and Geoffrey Stephenson for their work on the monument, describing it as the final piece of the Priestley250 project.
Calne Mayor Tim Havenith praised the pair for the time and care they had devoted to the sculpture.
"Both Richard and Geoffrey care deeply about this town, and that care shows in this memorial," he said.
He added: "A great deal of thought went into selecting the stone, shaping it, and deciding how to tell Priestley's story in a single piece of work."
Mr Havenith said it was fitting that the monument stood opposite Priestley House and thanked the artists, as well as Norths Building and Landscaping, Prune and Broom and Beechfield Reclamation for their help with the installation.
"I hope this memorial brings enjoyment, curiosity and pride to the people of Calne for many years to come," he said.
By chance, BBC's Escape to the Country was filming in Calne on the day of the unveiling and recorded the event, including interviews with Richard Cowdy and Geoffrey Stephenson about the monument and the town.
Photo credit: Cllr Tim Havenith & Celia Stevens
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