An absolutely stunning piece of public art was launched today at the old Sutton Manor colliery site in St Helens. The sculpture titled ‘Dream’ was conceived and designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. It is 20 metres tall and made of concrete and Spanish dolomite which makes it look white and reflects the light.
Today was a lovely event for the local community on a beautiful sunny day people turned out in their thousands to parade up the hill with brass bands playing and the May Queen in a carriage and being crowned later. There were speeches by former miner Gary Conly as well as the artist. Brian Salkeld read his poem about the closing of the mine and the event closed with the crowds singing ‘Dream, Dream, Dream’ along with the Sing Out Choir.
Dream was commissioned and delivered by St Helens Council with support of Channel 4, Arts Council England and the Art Fund.
A lot of credit is due to Liverpool Biennial, especially Laurie Peake, for their project management. Having just watched the final instalment of the Channel 4 Big Art programme it seems that the Sutton Manor Dream was the real success of the project.
I’ve uploaded a few videos of the days events, here’s one
