Cellular Shade
Denman & Goulding
Dorset-based artist duo Denman & Goulding were commissioned to design new bespoke shading structures for the Fleming Park Paddling Pool, to replace the old 'umbrella' shades.
The project is funded using developer's contributions for public art in Eastleigh.
Denman & Goulding were selected following a competitive application process and proposed an approach inspired by plant cells, which prioritises using sustainable materials and aims to maximise available shade.
In summer 2025 the artists ran creative activities and spoke to local residents at Pavilion on the Park, Places Leisure and the Paddling Pool. Through this process they developed two designs, which complement the shade created by newly planted trees as they grow and create an overlapping shade canopy.
FAQs from residents
The umbrellas had reached end of life and were no longer safe.
The artworks are made with sustainably sourced Larch from Dorset and steel frames fabricated in Eastleigh, less than one mile from Fleming Park. The wood element is predicted to last at least twenty years.
The design of the slatted timber is inspired by plant cells, viewed through a microscope, referencing the surrounding fauna of Fleming Park.
There are five new shades with one of them designed as a double ring effectively making six, and replacing the umbrellas one for one. The new shades are much bigger than the umbrellas and angled to create double the amount of shade.
The design takes into account wind load so that they can stay in position year-round, and each shade is geo-located so that shade is maximised as the sun moves around the sky.
The artists have worked with structural engineers to make the designs as resilient as possible and the timber is treated with a double layer of fire retardant coating.
This project aims to use developer’s contributions for public art strategically to offer artwork which is both beautiful and practical. EBC has been wanting to upgrade the shade at the Paddling Pool for many years and it has only been possible now due to the use of this funding.
Click the side arrows below to scroll through photos from this project.
Photos by Eleanor Goulding and Jake Woolnough (top banner image & #3)
About the artists
Denman & Goulding is a creative collaboration between artists Russell Denman and Eleanor Goulding. From their studio in a converted chapel in Dorset, Eleanor and Russell work across public art, film, furniture, sculpture, textiles and jewellery.
Recent projects include Haven at the Southbank Centre and Blueprint for the Isle of Wight. Other permanent public art commissions include Fleet Rushes for Dorset Council and Destination Lydney Harbour for Forest of Dean District Council.
