Powerful art: Ironbridge Power Station items to go on display
They were created to mark the proud tradition of creating power in the Ironbridge gorge. And, now Ironbridge Power Station has closed, they are to be kept for future generations to enjoy.
Artwork and historic documents that used to belong to the power station will be donated to Broseley Town Council to protect it for the future.
Sculptures, plaques and a visitor book are among the items that will be put on display by the council.
Uniper, a subsidiary of Eon, are managing the decommissioning of the plant after it finished generating in November last year.
As part of the close down, they found a number of artefacts and historic items that have been collected over the plant's 46 years of service, which they carefully removed from the site.
A number of local groups made applications to take the items, with Broseley Town Council eventually chosen and hoping to put them in the town's Heritage Centre as an attraction for visitors and local residents.
Among the items are a number of ironwork sculptures by local artist, Gerry Foxall, a roll of honour plaque remembering Ironbridge colleagues that died on active service between 1939-1945, a visitors book dating back to the 1930s and a contract from 1929 outlining building and civil engineering works.
Ian Lacey, Ironbridge closure manager for Uniper, said: "Ironbridge Power Station played an important role in the local community for almost half a century, so we wanted to ensure that careful consideration was given to the future of the artwork and artefacts that we've acquired over the years as they hold a great deal of historical significance.
"A large number of colleagues that worked at the plant over its history lived in Broseley, or in close proximity, therefore it seemed fitting that a number of these items were allocated to Broseley Town Council.
"We hope they will be enjoyed by visitors and residents, as well as serving as an important reminder of the industrial heritage of the area, including Ironbridge Power Station and all the people that contributed to the successful running of this iconic plant for so many years."
Simon Harris, Mayor of Broseley and Chairman of Broseley Town Council, said: "We're delighted to have been chosen to receive a number of the sculptures and artefacts that are displayed at Ironbridge Power Station.
"The Gerry Foxall sculptures, which depict industries that were common in the town, will be openly displayed around Broseley for all to see and admire.
"The other artefacts will be displayed in the new Broseley Heritage centre, based in All Saints Church, where there will be a special display celebrating the power station's history and the important relationship it has always had with the people of Broseley, in terms of housing, employment and prosperity, from construction to its closure in 2015.
"These items will make an exciting addition to the attractions in Broseley."
