The Art Of Conversation Reader's Bench

Name of Structure: The Art of Conversation Reader's Bench

Other Names: La Vita della Conversazione, Reader's Bench

Location: Jacob's Yard

Date Unveiled: 2004

Artist/Creator: Peter Powning

Named for: N/A

Event/Occasion/Significance: Commissioned in honour of Dr. Peter C. Kent, Professor of History and former Dean of Arts, upon his retirement after 39 years with UNB.

Plaque Inscription/Text Associated: This "reader's" bench was commissioned by UNB's Class of 2004 in honour of retiring Professor Peter C. Kent and the design was officially unveiled during Encaenia, May 2004.

Notes: Dr. Peter C. Kent contributed to the academic and cultural life of the university as Professor of History and Dean of Arts from 1965 until 2004. The bench commissioned in his honour is made of bronze and granite, and the structure and design of the bench encourages conversation among those sitting on the bench. Powning's design was chosen through a competition in which eight artistic works were considered.

Source(s):

• UA Case 121