Public art piece set to commemorate Cambridge’s musical son and founder of Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett

To commemorate the life of Pink Floyd’s founding member Syd Barrett, the Cambridge Corn Exchange has been given funding for a public art piece to be displayed at the venue - where he played one of his final concerts in the 1970’s.

The piece will be commissioned in collaboration with Mr Barrett’s family, who will work with Cambridge Live on the project.

The art, which could be a painting, sculpture or installation, will be displayed for the 200,000 people who visit the venue each year to see.

It will be unveiled this year to mark the 10th anniversary of Syd’s death as well as the 70th anniversary of his birth.

Syd co-founded Cambridge’s most famous band Pink Floyd in 1965 along with Nick Mason, Roger Waters, and Richard Wright. They have sold more than 250 million records worldwide and were inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

Active with the band for just under five years, Syd’s innovative guitar work and exploration of experimental techniques helped created the band’s unique psychedelic sound. Regarded by many as a creative genius, he also began a solo career in 1969, releasing his debut album ‘The Madcap Laughs’ in 1970.

Speaking on behalf of the Barrett family, Syd’s sister, Rosemary Breen, said: “Roger (Syd) was bright, funny, quirky and witty and was an artist not just in terms of ‘music’ or ‘paintings’ but in a much wider sense.

“We look forward to working with Cambridge Live to create a lasting memory of an inspiring man.”

Neil Jones, operations director for Cambridge Live, added: “Syd Barrett is integral to the musical heritage of the city.”