Revolving Torsion

‘Revolving Torsion’ is a modern sculpture located in the centre of a large circular pool. The sculpture itself is fabricated from stainless steel plate and comprises an abstract composition of multiple, curved, rib-like plates that appear to rise in a twisting motion from a shallow stainless steel basin. The plates are joined with straight seams to form an open, three-dimensional shape. Water jets flow from the curved edges of the plates, creating streams that cross along the curves. The artist, Gabo, intended the water jets to be considered part of the sculpture’s overall form, and he chose stainless steel to reflect his theory of “non-colour,” believing it would resemble water and create shadows visible in the water. The circular pool is essential to the fountain’s operation and was part of Gabo’s original design. A low, tubular steel rail now runs around the outside of the pool; this is a later addition and is not considered to be of special architectural or historic interest.