Watford Borough Council seeks to commission a permanent public artwork in honour of the late Margaret Maughan-Great Britain's first-ever Paralympic gold medallist and a long-term Watford resident. The artwork will celebrate Margaret's remarkable life, achievements, and legacy.

The council welcomes designs in every style and we have up to £50,000 for this commission.

We encourage artists to bring their own voice, concepts, and creative approach to the project. While a straightforward figurative or formalist depiction isn't the primary direction we're seeking, it remains an acceptable option. Artists are invited to explore inventive ways of conveying Margaret's story, values, and impact through a thoughtful and expressive visual language.
Margaret Maughan (1928-2020) made history at the 1960 Paralympic Games in Rome, becoming Great Britain's first Paralympic gold medallist by winning the Columbia Women's Round Open in archery.
She further secured a second gold medal in the Women's 50m Backstroke Complete Class 5, where she was the sole competitor. Over her lifetime, Margaret became an enduring symbol of resilience, athletic excellence, and pioneering spirit.
Margaret lived most of her life in Watford, and the commissioned artwork aims to honour her connection to the town and her groundbreaking role in British sporting history. In 2012 she lit the Paralympic flame.
The art piece must be a maximum of 1m x 1m footprint and can be up to 2m high. If a plinth above ground level is required, then this should be treated as part of the artwork.
Overall the new neighbourhood, Riverwell is envisioned as a vibrant, sustainable riverside community, blending housing, public amenities, retail, leisure, nature, and employment uses within one unified development.
The exact installation site for the artwork will be confirmed collaboratively with the council and the appointed artist to ensure a harmonious relationship with this evolving environment.