12 THE ART OBSERVER July 2010 installation which would embody the spirit of The John Rylands Library and celebrate its collec- tions of rare books, manuscripts and archives. The design refers to some of the internationally famous collections, such as the St John’s Fragment, thought to be the earliest piece of New Testament in existence which was bought by the library in 1920.” Totem is back lit with images taken from the historic collec- tions. The piece is made from glass and steel to make the best use of light using the colour scheme established by Champneys. Dr Stella Butler, Deputy University Librarian and Associate Director of the John Rylands Library are delighted with the finished product. “The John Rylands University Library is one of Manchester’s finest buildings; the architecture, both old and new, is quite breathtak- ing. We are immensely grateful to the Oglesby Charitable Trust for funding a remarkable piece of modern art, which will enhance visitors’ appreciation of the building and its collections.” By Helen Campbell POET LAUREATE Carol Ann Duffy unveiled a new work of art made from glass at The John Rylands Library at The University of Manchester yesterday. The piece, entitled Totem, is an 11 metre high stained glass and metal sculpture specially com- missioned for the building and takes pride of place in the atrium of the new entrance wing. Installed in February this year, Totem was officially unveiled by Ms Duffy at a reception held in the library on Thursday 20th May. The John Rylands University Library, commonly acknowl- edged as one of the world’s most impressive library build- ings, was designed by Basil Champneys at the end of the 19th century. Funded by the Oglesby Charitable Trust, the design for the £40,000 artwork was chosen from over a hundred entrants from across the UK, Europe and the USA. The entries were reduced to a shortlist of four, with the artists paid to develop their ideas. The judges finally chose Leicestershire based artist Derek Hunt of Limelight Studios (www.limelightstudios.co.uk) to design the winning piece. Derek, whose work is seen in churches, public buildings, the- atres and shopping centres around the UK, was thrilled to be awarded such a prestigious commission. “I wanted to create a sense of place with a glass Poet Laureate unveils new glass artwork at the John Rylands University Library digital photography and explored the city both as a tourist and as a photographer developing her skills as she went along. One of the continuing series she worked on was based on bicycles, photo- graphing all different types. She found them interesting and not always the first mode of trans- port you think of when it comes to New York. She enjoys photo- graphing a variety of subject from found objects to interesting buildings. “What I loved about the city is you don’t know what you’ll find but as soon as you see it, you know it’s the shot.” Exploring different methods and techniques, Jennie has also done a series in Polaroid film, using her new surroundings in Chorlton as inspiration. Jennie has developed her enjoy- ment with photography over the last five years and has continued to explore its possibilities. From cityscapes to abstract details, her inspiration can come from any- where, and sometimes in the most unusual places. “I have a weakness for reflections and love the fact that a reflective item can be like a blank canvas until something is in front of it and becomes an image.” She also enjoys exploring different pho- tography methods and capturing scenes from different angles, get- ting the shot just right.   By David Neal JENNIE KEEGAN, once Wendy Levy’s valued assistant at the gallery in Didsbury before going to New York to explore her first love - photography, now offers us a glimpse of her photographic prowess. Currently showing at Didsbury Life on Burton Road in Didsbury, until 8th July, is an exhibition with the ‘Big Apple’ flavour. Jennie Keegan has select- ed work from her time spent in New York capturing this won- derful city through her own view. Whilst there, she studied NEW YORK STATE OF MIND Photos by Jennie Keegan Since graduating from Visual Arts at the University of Salford in 2006, Jennie has continued with her own work as well as work- ing as a portrait photographer and building upon her experi- ence assisting on commercial shoots. She attended the International Centre of Photography in 2007 and com- pleted a short course in Digital Photography. This wonderful experience has spurred her on to keep creating her own work and still find excitement in different forms of photography. Since August 2009, Jennie has become the art co-ordinator at Didsbury Life and will continue to encourage artists at all levels to showcase their work and tal- ents. If you would like to view more of Jennie’s work, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/ jenniekeegan or alternatively you can contact her at: keeganjennie@yahoo.co.uk or on 07706 115436. Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy Totem Manhattan Street with Girl Jennie Keegan