Full steam ahead for Bridgnorth sculpture trail - with pictures
It is a sneak-peek of a sculpture trail – a tease to show snippets of art that will soon bring colour to a market town.
Bridgnorth Town Council is leading a community-wide statue trail, which will showcase the work of local artists.
The project is to be launched by the town’s Mayor, Ron Whittle, on July 28.
So far it has been revealed that 12 train-inspired sculptures will be placed at various locations across the town. Each will be adorned with art that illustrates life in the town.Locations include Witburn Street, Lavington Gardens, Severn Park and The Foundry, with more information being unveiled in the lead up to the event.
Councillor Julia Buckley has managed the community project. She said: “We wanted to do something that would pull visitors to our lovely town and really boost the local economy.
“We aim to make Bridgnorth a destination of choice but also provide a free and fun activity for all our visitors.
“Every single business I’ve spoken to is fully behind the idea.
“The whole project has cost nothing to the tax payers, and has all been achieved through volunteer time and business sponsorship, and I think that’s really special and something to be proud of.”
The miniature designs are a tribute to Bridgnorth’s historic train Catch Me Who Can, which was created in 1808. Various artists from Bridgnorth have been invited to decorate the individual locomotive statues, with each piece being sponsored by a local business.
Bridgnorth Council said it plans to display the statues for the next five years., and hopes to add to the trail.
The Marches Centre of Manufacturing and Technology is responsible for creating the 12 identical statues.
Three of their apprentices will be at the launch day in July to see their project come to life.
Councillor Buckley added: “Bridgnorth is a tourist town and we have all these amazing artists on our door step.
“Artists range from professionals to A level art students, all have done an amazing job.”
“We hope the project shows off Bridgnorth’s best bits, we are so lucky to have all this.”
Bridgnorth Mayor, Ron Whittle, said: “There are so many different elements coming to together for this project, which is rather typical for Bridgnorth’s great community spirit.
“Each sponsor is putting in a lot of money which is a fantastic level of support you can get in Bridgnorth.
“I think this is tremendous – the image of these statues being placed around the town. I think it is superb.”
