when Sir Frederick Gibberd claimed that it was his trips to Florence that inspired the decision to have sculptures on public display in Harlow, I imagine it came across somewhat unrealistic, patronising even. How can you compare a town in Essex with the greatest classical city in the world for sculpture? Working in Harlow gave me a unique opportunity to find out more about how a collection of over 80 works in the public domain can contribute towards society and everyday life. The Florence of Essex is an attempt to encapsulate the special relationship between the people of Harlow and the sculptures in the town.