Statue project moves a step forward
An initiative which will see statues of an iconic locomotive installed around Bridgnorth have revealed prototypes of what they will look like.
The Bridgnorth Art Trail project moved forward this week when talented apprentices from Grainger and Worrall and the Marches Centre of Manufacturing and Technology (MCMT) shared two examples of the proposed statue – one cast in aluminium and the other an example of a sand moulded statue.
The apprentices are working in conjunction with Bridgnorth Town Council on the Catch Me Who Can Project, which will be a tribute to the original locomotive Catch Me Who Can, first created in the town in 1808.
Twelve statues will be seen around the town when the project is set to open in the summer.
Art Trail lead on sponsorship and councillor Sarah Stevens said: “We are so pleased with the first design and having signed two new sponsors this week Perry and Phillips Funerals Ltd and Filtermist Ltd we can’t wait to show each sponsor what we are aiming for.
"The prototype is approximately a third of the size of the final statue and those members on the team dealing with design and logistics will be consulting with Grainger and Worrall and the MCMT and other groups to finalise the design and size very soon.”
The new sponsors means 10 businesses – plus Grainger and Worrall – have now signed up the the project, each committing £2,000 to sponsor a bespoke statue.
Each statue will showcase a different artist’s original designs, and visitors are encouraged to find all 10 using the trail map, and crack the code by collecting all the clues, one hidden on each statue.
Artists are still being invited to submit their designs.
Matthew Snelson, director of MCMT added: “The project is great learning opportunity, where apprentices are working on the computer aided design, simulation, initial prototyping through 3D sand printing and casting, and then production tooling.
"This demonstrates the huge opportunities for learners to take the vocational route to engineering training, and earn whilst they learn.”
Project coordinator and councillor Julia Buckley added “The Bridgnorth Art Trail committee are incredibly pleased with the first prototype and appreciative of all the time and commitment that Grainger and Worrall and MCMT apprentices are putting into the project.
"We have had such incredible support from local businesses through statue sponsorship, an amazing array of designs from artists and are really excited to launch the trail to Bridgnorth later this year.”
More information on the project can be found on the Catch Me Who Can Art Trail Facebook page.
