County's Angel of the North?

The new £350,000 sculpture and geo-garden being built to mark the bicentenary of Shrewsbury-born scientist Charles Darwin will be the town's answer to the Angel of the North, it was claimed today.

Darwin co-ordinator Jon King said he believed the 12-metre high statue and associated gardens being developed at Mardol Gardens could help to put the town on the map for "brave" pieces of public art.

For pictures of the building work, click here

The sculpture, known as Quantum Leap, is being described as a major feat of engineering.

It will be unveiled on October 8 at 4pm.

Mr King said the building process was being avidly watched by colleges and universities as far afield as America through a webcam at the site.

The project has provoked mixed reactions from the public, with one critic claiming it will look like a "giant slinky".

But Mr King said he hoped the structure would become as iconic and important for Shrewsbury as the Angel of the North sculpture is for England's North East.

He said: "Essentially what people are looking at now is the large supporting cradle that has been built so we can suspend the ribs of the sculpture as it takes shape. When the final rib is in place the cradle will be removed and it will be left as a free standing arch in all its glory.

"No structure like this has ever been built before – it's unique.

"It has been a real challenge for the engineers to realise the original vision of the artists.

"I think if you look at other examples in other towns, cities and regions where they have made a brave decision to embrace public art the benefits have been great.

"I wouldn't want to make a direct comparison with the Angel of the North but that iconic figure has brought attention to that region. I think Quantum Leap can be iconic."

Mr King said a town school was using the Darwin sculpture as a case study project while universities in America have also shown an interest.

Quantum Leap will be unveiled to the world to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of the town's iconic scientist who gave the world his theory of evolution.

The 12-metre high by 19-metre wide sculpture is one of several commemorative pieces of art to the great naturalist.

By Russell Roberts