The Bob Willis Fund commissioned WeMake.YouThink to create an Installation for their #BlueforBob Day which is held annually during a Test at Edgbaston, Bob’s old home ground.

For 2023, #BlueforBob Day was to be during the Ashes series and the Fund had the support of both Edgbaston and Sky.

The Installation was needed to raise awareness around prostate cancer (from which Bob had died) but also had to be interactive and a fundraiser.

The concept proposed was around a ‘rollerball’ where members of the crowd that day could sponsor a ball to then be added to the giant blue ‘ball’. The blue cricket-ball sized ball emerging from behind the major artwork to roll around the rails, slowly filling the artwork with blue balls. Part of the brief was to create an installation that Sky could engage with during poor weather.

The proposal was extremely well received by the Trustees and a full professional feasibility study was funded by the client. Budget issues precluded going into full production.

Dimensions: Giant railed ‘ball’ Diameter 360cm. Backing wall H400cm xW400cm xD60cm

Materials: Aluminium, stainless steel, foam & synthetic practice blue cricket balls

Dates: April 2019

All CGI works © Martin Barraud